Aaron Hicks

For a guy who just tallied 27 homers and 11 steals in 137 games, Hicks isn't getting much love. He also scored 90 runs thanks to sporting a 15.5% walk rate in a stacked Yankees lineup. Even without adding in the stats gleaned by his lineup replacement, the outfielder still performed well enough to demand top-100 consideration. A rise in contact (78.0%) and hard-hit rate (39.5%) should lead to a higher average and sustained power, and his cost more than bakes in the substantial injury risk. He's an especially wise choice in shallower three-outfielder mixed leagues, where it's easier to fill in the gaps if he misses some time.

Aaron Hicks labeled the 'front runner' for leadoff role

Aaron Boone told reporters on Sunday that Aaron Hicks is the front runner to be the Yankees' leadoff hitter this season.

Fantasy Impact

Boone also said that he'll flirt with Aaron Judge batting leadoff against tough lefties, though that seems unlikely. Hicks batted all over the lineup during his breakout 2018 season, including seeing 146 plate appearances at leadoff (his most of any spot). To the extent he moves to the top of the lineup on a full-time basis, owners should lower their projections for RBI, but increase them for runs.