The Padres made another blockbuster move.
New Friar general manager A.J. Preller acquired closer Craig Kimbrel, and OF Melvin Upton from the fire sale Braves.
YahooSports reports that with Kimbrel, the Padres acquire
arguably the most dominant reliever in the game over the past five
seasons. The 26-year-old is coming off a season in which he posted a
1.61 ERA over 61 2/3 innings. He saved 47 games and struck out 97
batters. Kimbrel is under contract for at least the next three seasons.
He's guaranteed $33 million over that period. Kimbrel also has a $13
million club option for 2018.
For Preller and the Padres, the
move doubles-down on the all-in philosophy of the offseason. Kimbrel
should combine with Joaquin Benoit, Kevin Quackenbush and Shawn Kelly to
wreck havoc on opposing hitters in the late innings.
The 30-year-old Upton has not
performed well in Atlanta, and the move is perceived as a salary dump
for the Braves. Upton hit just .208/287/.333 last season, and is still
owed $46.35 million over the next three seasons. He'll likely be a
fourth outfielder with San Diego.
On the Braves side, both Quentin
and Maybin should provide outfield depth. Quentin isn't regarded as
highly for his defense, and had been used at first base during camp.
Freddie Freeman is firmly entrenched in that spot, so it appears as if
Quentin will continue to play the outfield. It is possible that Quentin may be DFA'd.
Wisler, 22, rated as the top
prospect in San Diego's system, according to Baseball America. His stats
in the minors have been strong up until he was promoted to Triple-A
last season. He considered relatively close to major-league ready, and
profiles as a No. 3 starter, according to BA.
Paroubeck was considered a
minor-league sleeper to watch by Baseball America, but did not rank
among the Padres' top-30 prospects. After being selected in the second
round of the 2013 draft, Paraoubeck hit .286/.346/.457 over 157 plate
appearances in rookie ball. He's just 20, and remains a few seasons away
from the majors.
