Long story short: Braves trade All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel and Melvin “Stop calling me B.J.” Upton to the Padres.
Opening Day wasn’t even a full 24 hours away when this trade became official, and in one final fell swoop before the first game of the season, the Braves effectively trade the best relief pitcher in the game away, as well as one of the worst players in the game.
In return, the Braves get an old outfielder who can’t really play the outfield anymore in Carlos Quentin, as well as a guy that will always have the what-if ball and chain attached to his name and potential in Cameron Maybin. Additionally, the Braves receive two supposed minor league studs, and an additional pick going into the 2015 draft.