The Atlanta Braves have traded Justin Upton to the San Diego Padres in exchange for top lefty pitching prospect Max Fried, second baseman Jace Peterson, third baseman Dustin Peterson, and outfielder Mallex Smith.
The Padres outfield just became one of the best in the game in a matter of days. San Diego acquired Matt Kemp from the Dodgers and Will Myers from the Rays in the last week. The problem for the Padres is that all three are corner outfielders and the only one with center field experience is Kemp.
Upton. 27, hit .270 last season with 29 homers and 102 RBIs. The Padres had a top five pitching staff last season, but lacked run production. I would say they’ve done a good job of turning the team around in a hurry. Upton will have one year of team control and is still owed
$14.5 million this season and becomes a free agent after this season.
The Braves received one of San Diego top prospects Max Fried, 20, in return. Right now I project Fried as a two or three in the rotation and he was considered the Padres top prospect this time last year, but he struggled with a forearm injury. He underwent Tommy John Surgery on August 20 and he’s expected to miss the 2015 season. Fried wast taking seventh overall in the 2012 draft.
Overall I think this is a great trade for both teams the Braves get a top pitching prospect that should be ready for the big leagues by 2017 (the year the Braves open their new stadium). Atlanta also gets a second baseman in Peterson, who can play the position until Jose Peraza is ready to be called up. San Diego gets another outfielder that was an MVP candidate just three years ago.
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