Braves acquire coveted outfielder J. Upton

Prado, Delgado, three prospects to D-backs; infielder Johnson to Atlanta

By Mark Bowman /01/24/2013 10:36 AM ET




ATLANTA -- The Braves acquired Justin Upton from the D-backs on Thursday in exchange for five players, including Martin Prado.
The Braves received Upton and Chris Johnson in exchange for Prado, shortstop prospect Nick Ahmed, Class A infielder Brandon Drury and right-handed pitchers Randall Delgado and Zeke Spruill.
With this trade, Braves general manager Frank Wren provides his club arguably the game’s best outfield. Earlier in the offseason, Wren signed Justin Upton’s older brother, B.J. Upton, to a five-year, $75.25 million contract. Atlanta's projected outfield over at least the next three seasons will consist of Jason Heyward and the two Upton brothers.
Heyward expressed his satisfaction with the trade on Twitter, saying: "Waking up to Christmas in January."
To complete this trade, Wren had to part ways with Prado, who is one of the Braves’ most popular players among his teammates and the fans. But he was able to acquire Upton without giving up either of his top two pitching prospects, Julio Teheran or J.R. Graham.