The Atlanta Braves have made another monster trade, and this time, a "core" member of the organization is on the way out. All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel and Melvin Upton are headed to San Diego, while the Braves have acquired two Major League outfielders in Carlos Quentin and Cameron Maybin, in addition to two prospects in Matt Wisler and Jordan Paroubeck.
Complete deal: Kimbrel and B.J. from #Braves to #Padres for Quentin, Maybin, Wisler, Paroubeck and 41st pick.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) April 5, 2015
The 26-year-old Kimbrel has been the best closer in Major League Baseball since his arrival in 2010, and the Braves recently agreed to an extension that locked the right-hander into a contract through 2017. However, Kimbrel has been rumored to be on the trading block for some time, and John Hart and his crew have pulled the trigger.
While Kimbrel is the major piece of the deal, Atlanta's inclusion of Melvin Upton is central to the move. Upton is owed more than $40 million over the next three seasons, and in order to rid the organization of his contract, a steep price was paid.
Carlos Quentin and Cameron Maybin will provide immediate help, while the two prospects (and a high draft pick) lean more toward the future, in conjunction with the other trades from the off-season. Matt Wisler is a coveted name in baseball circles, and the Braves do add yet another talented young arm.
Stay tuned for further analysis of this trade throughout the evening and into Opening Day.