Minnesota Twins: Aaron Hicks Stabilizing Center Field

Minnesota Twins center fielder, Aaron Hicks was a thorn in the side of Twins fans who drank the Aaron Hicks lemonade in 2013 and 2014. He was supposed to be a stud center fielder. Instead, Hicks failed to hit over .200 in 81 games in 2013. He was supposed to bounce back in 2014, instead, he hit .215 in 69 games.

In 2015 many expected him to break spring training as the Twins starting center fielder. First year manager, Paul Molitor decided to send him to Triple-A Rochester. That move may have been the best thing for Hicks. He was able to get comfortable and didn’t feel the pressure of producing at the big league level to start the season.

When he got promoted from Triple-A in May and before landing on the disabled list in June, Hicks was hitting just over .240 and making highlight reel catches in center field for the Twins. Since returning from the disabled list he is playing the best baseball of his young career.

Since returning from the disabled list on July 3, Hicks is hitting .285 with two home runs, a pair of doubles, a triple and six RBIs. The young center fielder recorded an RBI in his first four games back, including back-to-back games with solo home runs. In the last seven games he is hitting .364 with two home runs and four RBIs.

When will Byron Buxton return from his injury is the question, but with the way Hicks is performing why rush him back? One thing is for certain, Hicks has proven that he could be a viable piece for the Twins moving forward if he continues to improve at the plate. Imagine a future outfield of Hicks in left field, Buxton in center field and Eddie Rosario in right field. Not bad. Not bad at all.

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