Braves general manager Frank Wren entered the offseason hoping to acquire two new outfielders. Nearly four months later, he has acquired two Uptons and has positioned his club to enter Spring Training with arguably the game's best outfield.
When B.J. Upton signed a club-record five-year, $75.25 million contract with the Braves in November, he said he hoped to play with his brother in Atlanta. Little did he know, Wren had every desire to make this wish come true. Wren was able to do so late Wednesday night, when he agreed to acquire Justin Upton and infielder Chris Johnson from the D-backs in exchange for five players, including Martin Prado and young right-handed pitcher Randall Delgado.
"We are extremely delighted today to add a talent the level of Justin Upton to our outfield," Wren said. "He's a young, dynamic player that arguably gives us one of the best outfields in the game."
Along with Prado and Delgado, the D-backs will also receive three prospects: infielder Brandon Drury, shortstop Nick Ahmed and right-handed pitcher Zeke Spruill.
"It was a dream of ours to play together," Justin Upton said in reference to himself and his brother. "I didn't think it would be this early in our careers. But the opportunity has presented itself now. This is our time to take full advantage of it and play for a great organization with great history. I'm excited to make the move to Atlanta."
