I don't think anybody on these boards gives the Twins scouting department enough credit for determining the value of players. Murphy was a highly regarded catching prospect as he moved through the Yankee's system. Sitting as McCann's backup did nothing for his development. Every one of these catchers you talked about here has a track record in the major leagues, and every one of them was rejected by their previous team, including Bethancourt. The Yankees and Twins were both dealing from positions of strength and both GMs said they hated to lose the player they lost, but needed to upgrade another position. That's how trades work.

I hope you're right. But it does seem clear they could have upgraded the position without giving anyone up and only making a small investment. But, maybe they feel Murphy is the guy and he was their No. 1 target all along.

Considering the amount of dialogue the Twins and Padres have had over the past year, I'd venture to say Hedges wasn't deemed worthwhile to MN. You weren't going to get Norris for Hicks either.

Both Bethancourt and Hedges have massive holes in their game. While Murphy probably doesn't have the ceiling either of those two do, I'd argue he also has a significantly higher floor. I would have liked to see the Twins deal Rosario rather than Hicks, as he's likely got the lesser upside. However, considering it was Hicks who had to be sent, it's likely Rosario wouldn't have been enough.

It's probably a bit of an overreaction to call this trade based upon what a paltry catching market and one sided catcher has dictated. I'm a huge Hicks defender/believer, and think he'll have a nice career for the Yankees. That doesn't matter though as it's Murphy that needs to produce for the Twins, and it's far too early to be suggesting a flop in that regard.

I'm ok with the trade but I was really hoping they would also have signed Brayan Pena.  I hope they don't resign Susuki after this year, even though I think he's a gamer.

Considering the amount of dialogue the Twins and Padres have had over the past year, I'd venture to say Hedges wasn't deemed worthwhile to MN. You weren't going to get Norris for Hicks either.

 

Both Bethancourt and Hedges have massive holes in their game. While Murphy probably doesn't have the ceiling either of those two do, I'd argue he also has a significantly higher floor. I would have liked to see the Twins deal Rosario rather than Hicks, as he's likely got the lesser upside. However, considering it was Hicks who had to be sent, it's likely Rosario wouldn't have been enough.

 

It's probably a bit of an overreaction to call this trade based upon what a paltry catching market and one sided catcher has dictated. I'm a huge Hicks defender/believer, and think he'll have a nice career for the Yankees. That doesn't matter though as it's Murphy that needs to produce for the Twins, and it's far too early to be suggesting a flop in that regard.

what did i just read? Rosario much more highly regarded. a top 6 Twins prospect in a much better time = to about hicks, and Rosario has actually performed at MLB. IF you argue Hicks has a higher ceiling than Rosario I will argue Oswaldo Arcia has a higher ceiling than Max Kepler.