BRAVES UNITE THE UPTON BROTHERS
The Atlanta Braves acquired outfielder Justin Upton and third baseman Chris Johnson from the Arizona Diamondbacks for infielders Martin Prado, Nick Ahmed and Brandon Drury, plus pitchers Randall Delgado and Zeke Spruill.
What does it give the Atlanta Braves
Upton had long been rumored to be on the move, and Atlanta became a preferred landing spot ever since they signed his older brother {P B.J. Upton} to patrol center field. The younger Upton will likely move to left field, giving the Braves one of the best outfields in baseball (Upton-Upton-{P Jason Heyward}). Justin Upton should bat somewhere in the middle of the Atlanta order and provide big-time power. The Braves downgraded a little at third base in losing Prado, but the hope is Johnson can resurrect his career. This deal also gives {P Juan Francisco} a bigger opportunity for playing time at the hot corner for Atlanta.
What does it give the Arizona Diamondbacks
Prado is the key piece headed to the Desert, as he will likely take over at third base and bat somewhere near the top of the Diamondbacks' batting order. Delgado is a great arm with plenty of upside who will provide big-league depth (for now). Spruill also has upside, but is a few years away. Infielders Ahmed and Drury complete this blockbuster and may become pieces to the puzzle in Arizona (eventually). Furthermore, dealing Upton gives {P Adam Eaton} a stranglehold on the center-field and leadoff jobs, while {P Cody Ross} is expected to replace Upton in right field.
Fantasy impact
Upton could shine in Atlanta, where he may feel more comfortable after being littered with trade talk in recent seasons. Therefore, his fantasy value is on the rise. Prado should still be a fantasy factor in Arizona, though his days of multi-position eligibility may be over. Johnson needs to battle Francisco in Atlanta now, so his value may diminish slightly. Francisco's value is on the rise. Delgado still has to battle for a spot in the rotation, despite the trade from Atlanta to Arizona, so his value appears to be even-steven. Lastly, {P Julio Teheran} now has a clearer path to Atlanta's fifth starter role, so his fantasy value gets a boost here.
Player focus
Arizona Diamondbacks