Making another move to keep their core of players together, the New York Yankees agreed to a $70 million, seven-year contract with outfielder Aaron Hicks.
Hicks' agreement adds $64 million in guaranteed money over six seasons and club option for 2026 that could make it worth $81.5 million over eight seasons.
"This is the organization I want to stay with," the former Twins player said Monday. "The team here is a team that I want to be with. I think it has a bright future."
A 29-year-old switch hitter, Hicks took over as the primary center fielder last year and set career highs with 137 games, 27 homers and 79 RBI. He agreed to a $6 million, one-year deal on. Jan. 11 and would have been eligible for free agency after the season.
Hicks was the Twins' first-round pick in the 2008 draft, 14th overall. Traded in November 2015 for catcher John Ryan Murphy, Hicks struggled in 2016 with New York but has steadily improved since then, and he also has turned himself into a good and at times spectacular defender.
Etc.
• Colorado agreed to a three-year contract extension with manager Bud Black through 2022 after he guided the Rockies to back-to-back playoff appearances.
• Bryce Harper met with the Dodgers on Sunday night, a sign the market for the star free-agent outfielder might be picking up.
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