Loading ...In what has surely become old news to Atlanta Braves fans, the club acquired Justin Upton from the Arizona Diamondbacks in their biggest move of the winter.
The Braves got Upton and third baseman Chris Johnson in the deal, while the Diamondbacks received Martin Prado, Randall Delgado, shortstop prospect Nick Ahmed, pitching prospect Zeke Spruill and first base prospect Brandon Drury.
The move guarantees the Braves will feature an outfield including Upton, his recently signed brother B.J. Upton and Jason Heyward. Justin Upton has three years and $38.5 million left on his contract, meaning the Braves could have up to three years of 70-90 homers and 70-90 stolen bases per year.
Braves fans have quickly noted the downside of losing Prado. A longtime fan favorite, Prado was one of the most consistent and versatile players Atlanta had, playing third base, left field, second base, shortstop and first base in 2012. He hit .301 in 690 plate appearances, but his demands of $10-12 million per year on a multiyear deal likely priced him out of the Braves' budget with their left field/lead-off needs.
Another repercussion of the trade is that Johnson and Juan Francisco will platoon at third base. The 28-year-old Johnson hit .281 with a .326 on-base percentage and 15 homers in 528 plate appearances in 2012.
Tags: Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta, Atlanta Braves, Justin Upton, Martin Prado, MLBRelated Videos
Returning Soon!!!!Related posts
- Atlanta Braves Trade for Justin Upton May Be Dead in Water
- Atlanta Braves Still in Running for Justin Upton After Rejected Trade to Seattle Mariners
- Atlanta Braves May Be Last Team Standing for Justin Upton Trade
- Justin Upton Will not Be Traded to Atlanta Braves
Short URL: http://sport-ne.ws/p6f
