Aaron Hicks was designated for assignment on Saturday, in a move that many felt was long overdue.
Hicks had been struggling at the plate and in the field for years, had often struggled to stay healthy, and seemed to be in a place where the fanbase would never change their opinion of him.
So, while the Yankees ate the rest of Hicks’ contract to let him go, BT didn’t see it as a mercy move for Hicks. He believes it could have been a response to the youth movement across town.
“The Mets are bringing up all these kids, Mets are starting to show a little zest, a little vibe,” BT said. “And the Yankees, outside of the mid 80s, very rarely ever react to the Mets. They do things they do for their team, and residually, for the fanbase.
“The Hicks move, you would think it would be for the fans, but I don’t think that it was. I actually think they look at the Mets and Cohen and their payroll, and how they’re starting to get their mojo back, and I feel like on some level, they did it because they wanted to match the energy of the Mets.”
The Mets have won five straight, enjoyed an unforgettable win against the Rays days before the Yankees dumped Hicks, in which their prized prospects in Mark Vientos and Francisco Alvarez hit huge home runs. Did the Yanks dump Hicks to show that they too are willing to eat money for the good of the team, and to clear the way for others to get playing time? Better yet, will that trend continue?
“Bottom line, it was something we never thought they were gonna do,” BT said. “Now, will they do the same with Josh Donaldson?”
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