THE BALTIMORE BATTERY

With word of Cedric Mullins being sidelined for a few weeks and players like Kyle Stowers and Colton Cowser on the IL in the minors, the Orioles were left with a hole.

Then steps in GM Mike Elias, who seems to find the right puzzle piece when needed. Elias would find switch-hitting outfielder Aaron Hicks, who was released by the Yankees last week, and sign him to a major league deal Tuesday.

Since the start of 2021, the 33-year-old Hicks has struggled to say the least, slashing .209/.315/.310 with a wRC+ of 83.

The Orioles are hoping that a change of scenery will spark a return to form of the player the Evil Empire gave $70 million to over seven years. From 2017 to 2020, Hicks slashed .247/.362/.457 for a wRC+ of 123. He was worth 8.7 wins above replacements during that time frame.

The Yankees are on the hook for $10.5 million this year (about $7 million left). They also will pay Hicks’ $9.5 million the next two years and a $1 million buyout for 2026. This allows the O’s to sign Hicks to the prorated league salary for anytime he is on the roster.

Hicks is a career .230 hitter with 101 career home runs, 356 RBIs and 65 stolen bases. While he has played center field in the past, he has played more left field during the back side of his career.

Mullins left Monday’s game against the Guardians in the eighth inning and was diagnosed with a right groin strain. Mullins is batting .263 with eight home runs and 39 RBIs in 53 games for the Birds this season, along with 13 stolen bases.

Austin Hays, who came up as a center fielder, and Ryan McKenna should see a bulk of their playing time in center going forward. Anthony Santander, Adam Frazier, Ryan O’Hearn, Terrin Vavra and even Jorge Mateo can also provide outfield help with Mullins out.

With the signing of Hicks, the Orioles’ 40-man roster is now full. Hicks will wear No. 34 with the club.

We would like to welcome Aaron Hicks to Birdland!