DIVISIONAL OUTLOOK: AL Central—Hicks wins CF job in MIN

Minnesota Twins

Aaron Hicks (OF, MIN), a long-shot for the Twins Opening Day roster entering spring training, has won the starting center field job. Hicks beat out Darin Mastroianni (OF, MIN), who will be the fourth outfielder, and Joe Benson (OF, MIN), who was optioned to the minors. Hicks has not played above AA, but did have strong season in 2012 at AA-New Britain where he hit .286/.384/.460 with 13 HRs, 21 doubles, 11 triples, and 32 SBs in 129 games. Hicks won the job with a strong spring, 21 hits in 60 ABs, leading the team in HRs and RBIs. Going into spring Mastroianni had been the favorite to win the job. He stole 21 bases in only 163 ABs last year, and if Hicks is unable to hold down the job Mastroianni would step in.

Jared...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

For our final PT Tomorrow NL East column of 2026, we look past mañana and into the offseason and beyond--then stop for a well-earned rest.
Sep 25 2026 10:03am
As the 2026 season winds down, these players are just getting started
Sep 18 2026 3:05am
The AL West has some interesting options for some new playing time heading into 2027.
Sep 17 2026 3:03am
A slugging Yohandy Morales tries to pound out a spot for himself on the 2026 Nationals and beyond. Plus: SS in ATL; bench in PHI; Marsee in MIA; Tong at NYM; more.
Sep 15 2026 10:05am
This week, we point out an under-the-radar option in L.A., welcome starting pitchers back to Arizona and San Diego, check in on a favorite of ours in Colorado, and take a closer look at the Giants' starting rotation.
Sep 12 2026 3:05am

Tools