Going into 2017, you would have been forgiven if you chalked up the John Ryan Murphy–Aaron Hicks deal to a lose-lose with both players going bust in their new environments. Hicks hit .217/.281/.336 (64 wRC+) in his first season with the Yankees while fulfilling mostly a part-time, fourth outfielder role.
Despite his clear tools, his breakout in 2017 was nonetheless surprising.
Forging an opportunity
Just like in 2017, Hicks was the fourth outfielder to start the year. He nearly outhit Aaron Judge in spring training while trying to win the right fielder job, putting up a .