AL Central Rankings: Who is the No. 1 centerfielder?
By Brett Pnazek
No. 5: Aaron Hicks: (Minnesota Twins)
Mar 9, 2015; Bradenton, FL, USA; Minnesota Twins center fielder Aaron Hicks (32) pops a ball up to third during the fifth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
2014 Stats
Batting Average: .215
Home Runs: 1
Runs Batted In: 18
Steals: 4
oWAR: .5
dWAR: -.2
Hicks is No. 5 and deservedly so. He played in only 69 games last year but according to MLB.com is the Twins’ starting centerfielder on their depth chart.
There really isn’t much to dwell on here. His batting average rose from .192 the year to .215 but really hasn’t proven to be much of a threat at the plate.
Analytically, he was at a reserve level in both offensive and defensive WAR. He does possess some upsides at the plate and in the field, whether it ever materializes will be another thing.
He’s also in the most precarious position when it comes to starting. If he doesn’t hit, the Twins won’t play him and will look at other options such as Jordan Schafer, who played well in the 41 games he played for Minnesota after coming over from the Braves.
Next: No. 4: The Return to Glory?