Braves Trade All-Star Closer Kimbrel, Upton

Some Braves fans are upset over the team's decision to trade All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel. The organization has traded Kimbrel and outfielder Melvin Upton Jr. to the San Diego Padres in exchange for outfielders Carlos Quentin and Cameron Maybin, plus two minor leaguers and a draft pick.

The Atlanta Business Chronicle reports the Padres agreed to pay the $46.3 million owed to Upton over the next three years. The trade reunites Melvin with his brother Justin who was also picked up by the Padres in December.

Right-hander Jason Grilli has been assigned as the team's new closer.

While some fans bristled at the move, former Braves pitcher Chipper Jones took to Twitter to express how the trades would benefit the team. "Once u decide to rebuild, u better go all the way," Jones ( @ RealCJ10) tweeted. "U now have a ton of minor league talent that is on the verge of being major league talent." Read his tweets here.

The Braves will showcase their retooled lineup in their opening day game Monday, April 6 against the Miami Marlins at 4 p.m.

Contributors: Atlanta Business Chronicle, Associated Press, Rosemary Jean-Louis

Tags: braves trades, craig kimbrel, melvin upton, san diego padres