Cesar Tordesillas

The Atlanta Braves have traded five players to acquire outfielder Justin Upton from the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Braves traded Martin Prado, shortstop prospect Nick Ahmed, Class A infielder Brandon Drury and right-handed pitchers Randall Delgado and Zeke Spruill for Upton and Chris Johnson.

"Waking up to Christmas in January," new teammate Jason Heyward said on Twitter to welcome Upton.

The trade orchestrated by Braves general manager Frank Wren has provided the Braves with a top outfield, comprised of Justin's older brother B.J. and Heyward. Wren earlier signed B.J. to a five-year, $75.25 million contract.

However, the trade forced the Braves to part ways with Prado, one of the popular players among teammates and fans.

With Prado's departure, the Braves will likely enter the season with Juan Francisco and Johnson sharing third-base duties.

Upton has hit .278 with 108 homers and .832 OPS since making his Major League debut during the 2007 season.

The 25-year-old Upton was one of the game's top outfielders in 2011, hitting .289 with 31 homers and .898 OPS. A thumb injury limited him this year to a .280 average with 17 homers and .785 OPS.

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Braves Acquire Justin Upton From D-Backs for Five Players