The Atlanta Braves have reportedly acquired Justin Upton from the Arizona Diamondbacks.
When the Arizona Diamondbacks signed former Red Sox free agent outfielder Cody Ross ( pictured above) it cleared the way for the team to deal Justin Upton.
Earlier in January, ESPN.com's Keith Law released his annual ranking of the best 25 players in Major League Baseball under the age of 25.
The Atlanta Braves had four players on the list. Rightfielder Jason Heyward, first baseman Freddie Freeman, and pitchers Craig Kimbrel and Andrelton Simmons.
On Thursday morning, the Braves reportedly acquired a player who appeared on that list for a number of years. Justin Upton is 25 years old now, but that doesn't mean he's not a fantastic talent with a bright future.
It appears that future will be played out in Atlanta.
Thursday's deal is expected to send Upton along with third baseman Chris Johnson to the Braves, in exchange for pitcher Randall Delagado, third baseman Martin Prado, shortstop prospect Nick Ahmed, pitching prospect Zeke Spruill and first base prospect Brandon Drury.
The Braves now have an extremely talented outfield trio that includes not just Justin Upton, but also his brother B.J. The Upton brothers will pair with Jason Heyward to form one of Major League Baseball's best outfields.
Arizona finally found a way to trade a player who, from afar, seemed too good to deal.
Upton has tons of talent, is signed to a reasonable contract that runs through the conclusion of the 2015 season, and is only 25 years old.
Yet even with all those qualities, Upton's trade is not a shock. Rumors had been swirling on and off for over a year. He had worn out his welcome in Arizona and after the team signed former Red Sox free agent Cody Ross, the Diamondbacks had too many outfielders for only three available positions.
Arizona had parted with highly touted former No. 3 overall pick Trevor Bauer earlier in the offseason. Now they've restocked their pipeline of young talent by bringing in major-league ready, 22-year old Delgado and three other young minor league talents.
They've also added Martin Prado who will be an upgrade at third base over incumbent Chris Johnson who is headed to Atlanta along with Upton.
The Braves are loaded up to make a run at the defending National League East champs the Washington Nationals.
Atlanta now has one of the National League's best lineups. They've got both Uptons, Heyward, and first baseman Freddie Freeman. Atlanta was able to retain their top shortstop prospect Andrelton Simmons and the team still has plenty of starting pitching and the best closer in the National League in Craig Kimbrel.
It's a deal that definitely improves the Braves in the short-term, and may prove to be quite a haul for the Diamondbacks once the minor leaguers start to reach the majors.
The Atlanta Braves just acquired a 25-year old outfielder who has five-tool capability and has already finished in the top five of the MVP voting once.
If you're an Atlanta Braves fan, the season can't start soon enough.