The Arizona Diamondbacks and the Atlanta Braves pulled off a big trade this morning.
The Braves have acquired outfielder Juston Upton and third baseman Chris Johnson from the Diamondbacks for pitcher Randall Delgado, infielder Martin Prado, and minor leaguers Nick Ahmed, Brandon Drury and Zeke Spruill, pending physicals according to ESPN sources.
Justin will join his brother B.J. in Atlanta. B.J. signed a five year, $75.25 million free agent contract Braves this offseason.
The Braves now have a nice outfield with both Upton’s and right fielder Jason Heyward.
Jason Churchill of ESPN has the Braves projected starting lineup as:
1. Andrelton Simmons, SS
2. B.J. Upton, CF
3. Jason Heyward, RF
4. Justin Upton, LF
5. Freddie Freeman, 1B
6. Dan Uggla, 2B
7. Brian McCann, C
8. Chris Johnson, 3B
Randall Delgado was projected to be the Braves 5th starter this season, and could find himself higher in the Diamondbacks rotation. The 22-year old went 4-9 last year with a 4.37 ERA in 92 2/3 innings with 76 strikeouts.
Prado can play anywhere on the infield, but will likely be the Diamondbacks third baseman next season. The 29-year old hit .301/.359/.438 with 10 HRs, 70 RBIs and 17 SBs.
Zeke Spruill is a right handed pitcher who was ranked as the Braves 9th best prospect according to Baseball America.
Wow. I really like the #Braves deal for Upton. I think you win with stars, believe the #Diamondbacks will regret trading Upton and Bauer.
— Jim Callis (@jimcallisBA) January 24, 2013
A nice deal for both teams, IMO. Arizona gets a really nice hitter in Prado who fits their lineup, high-average guy. Prado 5.9 WAR last year
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) January 24, 2013
Chris Johnson actually was better vs. RHers last year, but could see a Juan Francisco/Johnson platoon at 3B for the Braves.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) January 24, 2013
Sources have Justin Upton going to Braves. His .842 OPS since 2008 ranks 7th best among NL outfielders, minimum 500 games.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 24, 2013
