"I think what this move does is allow us to have that conversation," said Padres general manager A.J. Preller on Friday.
On Thursday, after the team departed the Winter Meetings in Nashville, they got the 24-year-old Bethancourt, once a highly regarded prospect, for pitcher Casey Kelly and Minor League catcher Ricardo Rodriguez.
The move appeared curious because the Padres already have Derek Norris and Hedges at the position and with Josmil Pinto also in the mix after the team claimed him from the Twins last month. Pinto is out of Minor League options.