Did the Yankees Make Aaron Hicks Give Up Golf?
Former MLB player A.J. Pierzynski suggests that the Yankees may have forced Aaron Hicks to stop playing golf due to concerns about his injuries.
Rumor: Yankees Restrict Aaron Hicks from Golfing
According to former MLB catcher A.J. Pierzynski, there may be more to the messy divorce between Aaron Hicks and the Yankees. Pierzynski claims that the Yankees may have told Hicks to stop playing in the offseason Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions because they believed it was contributing to his injuries. This allegation has not been confirmed, but there has been speculation about it.
Hicks, who is known to be a passionate golfer, was designated for assignment by the Yankees in May 2023 after a period of disappointing performance. He had signed a seven-year, $70 million extension with the team in 2019. While Hicks had a strong season in 2018, hitting 27 home runs and maintaining a .366 on-base percentage, his numbers declined in the following years. He also experienced two major injuries during his time with the Yankees.
After being released by the Yankees, Hicks joined the Orioles and had a successful run with the team. This has led to speculation that the Yankees may have made a mistake in parting ways with him and restricting his golf activities. However, the full truth of the situation remains unknown.
Hicks' Yankees Career and Performance
Aaron Hicks joined the Yankees in 2015 via a trade and had his best season with the team in 2018. However, his performance declined in subsequent years, and he struggled with injuries, including a right elbow injury in 2019 that required Tommy John surgery. In 2021, he underwent a left wrist procedure.
Hicks' disappointing play and injuries led to his release from the Yankees in May 2023. He then signed with the Orioles, where he performed well in a limited role. Hicks has expressed his frustration with the lack of consistent opportunities to play with the Yankees and his belief that the team had already been moving in a different direction.
Speculation and Reactions
The rumors of the Yankees forcing Hicks to give up golf have sparked discussions and opinions among fans and analysts. Some believe that the team may have made a mistake by not fully recognizing Hicks' potential and restricting his golf activities. Others argue that it is difficult to predict the performance and injuries of professional athletes, and the Yankees were justified in their decision.
The truth behind the allegations remains uncertain, and it is unclear if playing golf had any significant impact on Hicks' injuries. Regardless, the story highlights the ongoing speculation surrounding player activities and their connections to performance and injuries in professional sports.
