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

As he excels in Triple-A, could Franklin Arias be coming to play in the major leagues sooner rather than later? Plus, more trade deadline fallout from around the AL East.
Aug 11 2026 3:05am
This week, we take a look at Lars Nootbaar's new opportunity to find his game in Arizona, meet new faces in San Francisco, and check in on Jordan Beck's second chance in Colorado.
Aug 8 2026 3:05am
Adams is having a solid season at Triple-A and the Brewers could use help at third base.
Aug 7 2026 3:05am
Could Jeff Hoffman eventually move back into the closer role in his new home? Plus, Joey Bart power upside, Kyle Manzardo's future, and other post-deadline observations from around the division.
Aug 6 2026 3:06am
With the trade deadline behind us, the Angels have a new catching option in Moisés Ballesteros.
Aug 5 2026 3:05am

Tools