The San Diego Padres are stocking up on outfielders.
The Padres have agreed to a trade with the Atlanta Braves for outfielder Justin Upton, according to multiple reports. San Diego already acquired outfielders Matt Kemp and Wil Myers this week before landing Upton.
The Braves will acquire left-hander Max Fried, second baseman Jace Peterson, third baseman Dustin Peterson and outfielder Mallex Smith, according to CBSSports.com’s Jon Heyman. The Padres reportedly will acquire a lower-level prospect in addition to Upton.
The Padres entered this offseason in need of some offensive firepower, particularly in the outfield. Now, they have a surplus of outfielders, creating the potential for even more moves this winter.
Upton, who was an All-Star with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2009 and 2011, hit .270 with 29 homers, 102 RBIs and an .833 OPS in 2014. The 27-year-old will make $14.5 million in 2015 and is set for free agency in 2016.
UPDATE (6:10 p.m.): The Padres confirmed the trade and said they also received right-hander Aaron Northcraft from the Braves. Fried, both Petersons and Smith are headed to Atlanta, which also acquired San Diego’s fourth international bonus pool slot in the deal.
Thumbnail photo via Tim Heitman/USA TODAY Sports Images
