MLBTR is reporting the Atlanta Braves have acquired Justin Upton and Chris Johnson for Martin Prado, Randall Delgado, Nick Ahmed, and Zeke Spruill, pending physicals. It’s also believed that minor league prospect Brandon Drury is in the deal to head to Arizona.
Upton will join his brother, B.J. Upton (signed a five-year 75.2MM this offseason), and Jason Heyward as potentially the best outfield in baseball. The three are expected to accumulate 60 home runs and 50-plus stolen bases.
Chris Johnson hit 15 home runs and drove in 76 runs, while batting a .281/.326/.451 line with the Astros and Diamondbacks. He’ll fill the third base void now that Prado is gone. Juan Francisco will be pushed to a reserve role for now.
With Delgado going to the Diamondbacks, the fifth starter is Julio Teheran‘s to lose. Teheran had a dismal year in Gwinnet last year but had a strong showing over winter ball.
The Diamondbacks are ecstatic about landing Prado as their everyday third basemen. On the other hand, the Braves will probably have to carry an extra bench player to compensate for losing Prado. In the past, the Braves could get away with carrying more pitchers as Prado was so versatile They don’t have a clear replacement as of now, so they would probably need to carry an extra infielder.
More to come as we hear.