Justin Upton traded to the San Diego Padres

Outfielder Justin Upton has been traded to the San Diego Padres from the Atlanta Braves, according to multiple reports.

Upton, who the Rangers tried to acquire prior to the 2013 season, is a free agent after 2015.  The Rangers reportedly had some interest in Upton this winter, but given the uncertainty of the 2015 team, the price Atlanta wanted, and the fact that they would only have a year of control, Texas was apparently never a serious suitor.

San Diego is sending lefty pitcher Max Fried, a 2012 first round draft pick who has been sidelined with Tommy John surgery, in the deal, although it is not clear who else might be included.

The Padres now are in a situation where, having acquired Upton, Matt Kemp and Wil Myers, they have extra outfielders.  Will Venable, Seth Smith and Carlos Quentin are among those who will likely be shopped now, and given that the Rangers have expressed a desire to find a veteran COF/DH bat to include with their internal options at those positions, it wouldn't be shocking if one of those players ended up being sent to Texas in the near future.

UPDATE -- The Padres are sending Fried, Jace Peterson, Dustin Peterson and Mallex Smith to the Braves for Upton.