Sep 28, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Twins center fielder Aaron Hicks (32) walks back to the dugout after striking out in the third inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Although he’s already debuted in the Major Leagues, maybe no one has more to prove than Hicks in 2015. Very little of what he does in Spring Training will have a significant effect on what happens during the regular season, but a few key points could determine his future.
Hicks has done it all during the Spring. He earned himself a spot in 2013 with a torrid spring, and he could play himself out of one this season. Most of his stats won’t matter, but the key will be the process. His dedication, hustle, and work ethic have been knocked; Paul Molitor will likely be looking for improvements in the mental part of his game. Spring Training will be where Hicks can springboard his minor league success to the major league level. If he is going to play in left field once Byron Buxton arrives, this spring will lay the ground work.