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Max Kepler should have an easier route to playing time in 2016 now that the Twins have traded Aaron Hicks to the Yankees in exchange for John Ryan Murphy.

Kepler should have an easier route to playing time in 2016 now that the Twins have traded Aaron Hicks to the Yankees in exchange for John Ryan Murphy.

Analysis:

Eddie Rosario and Byron Buxton seem like locks to start most days, and while Miguel Sano has been talked about as a potential corner outfielder, the Hicks trade removes one of Kepler's potential road blocks. Kepler saw time at all three outfield spots, first base, and DH last year in the minor leagues, so his versatility should help him stay on the field. It's hard to argue that Kepler is not one of the Twins' nine best hitters on the 40-man roster, so one way or another he should find his way to 400-plus plate appearances in 2016.

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