NEW YORK (WFAN.com) -- The New York Yankees have committed to Aaron Hicks being a part of their outfield for years to come.
The Bronx Bombers and the 29-year-old switch-hitting center fielder agreed to a seven-year contract extension worth a reported $70 million.
The new contract will kick in immediately. Hicks will earn a $6 million base salary in 2019 plus a $2 million signing bonus, according to WFAN baseball insider Jon Heyman. (He was set to play this season on a one-year, $6 million deal.) Hicks will make $10.5 million each year from 2020 to 2023. He'll then earn $9.5 million each in the 2024 and 2025 seasons. There's a $12.5 million club option for 2026 with a $1 million buyout.
The Yankees acquired Hicks in a November 2015 trade with the Minnesota Twins. He immediately brought top-notch defense to the team and has improved as a hitter since arriving in the Big Apple. Last season, Hicks batted .248, had a .366 on-base percentage and posted career highs in homers (27) and RBIs (79).
Hicks is the second player general manager Brian Cashman has locked up to a multiyear contract during spring training. On Feb. 15, the Yankees signed ace pitcher Luis Severino to a four-year, $40 million contract.
And Cashman doesn't appear to be done. According to Heyman, the Yankees are working toward extending reliever Dellin Betances.