TWINS GET C MURPHY FOR OF HICKS
The Minnesota Twins acquired catcher John Ryan Murphy from the New York Yankees for outfielder Aaron Hicks .
What does it give the Minnesota Twins
For the Twins, adding Murphy provides an alternative to veteran catcher Kurt Suzuki (who batted just .240 in 433 AB). The 24-year-old Murphy has the potential to become an everyday catcher but was blocked behind Brian McCann in the Bronx. With Minnesota, he should get a bigger opportunity to shine. Furthermore, losing Hicks opens the door for Byron Buxton to take over center field on a full-time basis.
What does it give the New York Yankees
The Yankees' depth at catcher (McCann, Austin Romine, top prospect Gary Sanchez et al) allowed them to move Murphy at this time. Adding Hicks provides more outfield depth and options moving forward. Hicks, a natural center-fielder with great defensive instincts and athleticism, joins the likes of Slade Heatchcott, Mason Williams and Aaron Judge as outfield candidates behind their everyday players.
Fantasy impact
Murphy could be a big winner after this trade, as he stands a decent chance of playing a lot as Suzuki's understudy early on (and is expected to take over the No. 1 role at some point). Buxton is also a winner after the departure of Hicks. As for the latter, he could be in the outfield mix for the Yankees but needs to become more consistent on offense.
