Atlanta, GA (SportsNetwork.com) - Just hours before the Major League Baseball season was set to begin, the Atlanta Braves made headlines by sending All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel to the San Diego Padres in a six-player swap.
Kimbrel has been as dominant as any relief pitcher in baseball since breaking through with Atlanta in 2010, posting a 1.43 ERA with 186 saves. He has led the National League in saves each of the past four seasons.
Veteran outfielder Melvin Upton is also on his way to San Diego, where he will be reunited with his younger brother Justin. The duo spent the past two seasons together in Atlanta, but Justin was sent to the Padres this winter.
The Padres gave up outfielders Cameron Maybin and Carlos Quentin as well as prospects Matt Wisler and Jordan Paroubeck.
Wisler, considered San Diego's top minor leaguer, is a 22-year-old right- handed pitcher who finished last season with a 4.42 ERA between Double-A and Triple-A.
Maybin stole 40 bases for the Padres in 2011 and 26 in 2012, but has battled injuries each of the past two seasons. He has played in just 109 games over the past two seasons, recording 67 hits and eight steals.
Quentin has also battled injuries since joining San Diego following four successful seasons with the White Sox. He hasn't played more than 86 games in three seasons with the Padres.
Atlanta will also receive the 41st pick in the 2015 draft.
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