Yankees acquire Hicks from Twins, trade Pirela to Padres

In the past year, he’s invested heavily in Andrew Miller and Chase Headley, but he’s mostly reshaped his team through the trade market, using expendable young talent to acquire other young talent.

Plus, Cashman targeted Hicks in early October, continuing dialogue with Twins GM Terry Ryan until the trade was agreed upon Tuesday night, with the medicals nailing it down the next afternoon. However, 2015 saw improved numbers across the board for the switch-hitter who can play all three outfield positions. It was a trade that worked well for each side as Cervelli stayed healthy and thrived in Pittsburgh, John Ryan Murphy stepped in and played well in NY, and Wilson emerged as a strong seventh-inning reliever for the Yankees. He’s due $37.5 million over the next three years and is coming off an All-Star season. 230 with one homer and five RBIs this year with the major league club.

Let’s face it, the Yankees had to move a catcher. In his three seasons in pinstripes, Murphy has slashed.267/.311/.374 with four homers and 24 RBI.

“The same way our guys helped Didi unlock a few things, I think that’s what Torii did for Hicks over there”, Cashman said. In 2015, Murphy hit. He was among the worst catchers in the game a year ago, compiling a -0.1 WAR. Suzuki will likely still see the majority of the work behind the plate, but Murphy could eat into his playing time.

The Twins had an excess of outfielders, and wanted to make room for Max Kepler/Miguel Sano, so it makes sense in that regard. The Yankees need all the young pitching they can get, and Herrera could make the major-league roster late in the 2016 season, assuming he starts the season at Triple-A after spending time in Double-A in the Padres’ season last season.

Did the Yankees, in swapping Murphy, get a good return. Jacoby Ellsbury looked like toast in 2015, especially in the field, and likely has to move to a corner even if there is still life left in the bat. The big free-agent deals of the past have been scarce lately, with the team preferring to bring in young, cost-controlled player.

Then came the deal for Hicks.