Orioles 2023 revelation lands with Angels on major league deal

On Monday afternoon, news broke that Aaron Hicks, a revelation with the Orioles after he signed with the team partway through 2023, agreed to a major league deal with the Los Angeles Angels for 2024, officially ending any chance of a return to the team.

The Angels will only be responsible for the minimum salary of $740,000 with the New York Yankees responsible for the rest of the seven-year, $70 million contract they signed Hicks to, which expires after the 2026 season.

Former Orioles outfielder Aaron Hicks finds new home with Angels

After struggling mightily with the Yankees to begin the season, the team DFA'd him, leading him to sign with the Orioles at the end of May for the prorated minimum salary. He went on to revive his career with the Orioles, posting a .275/.381/.425 slash line with a 127 OPS+, hitting seven doubles and seven home runs in 65 games.

The increased success from Hicks led to him starting two of the three games in the ALDS for the Orioles against the Texas Rangers. He wasn't one of the reasons the Orioles lost, in fact he did his best in game two to carry Baltimore to a win thanks to a two hit, five RBI day, including a three-run home run.

Despite the success in Baltimore for Hicks, it always seemed unlikely he was going to return thanks to a crowded outfield picture and the fact that he seemed like a stopgap plan from the beginning.

With the Angels, Hicks becomes the fifth outfielder on their roster entering spring training. He'll compete with Mike Trout, Jo Adell, Mickey Moniak, and Taylor Ward for playing time. With Trout occupying center field, Hicks will likely see the majority of time playing the corner outfield spots. Best of luck out west, Aaron.