The San Diego Padres made another splash to improve their offense by acquiring two All-Stars in outfielder Justin Upton from the Atlanta Braves and catcher Derek Norris from the Oakland A’s, media sources reported.
First-year general manager A.J. Preller was not done there, though, and also acquired third baseman Will Middlebrooks from the Boston Red Sox according to Yahoo Sports.
In return for Upton (two-time National League All-Star) the Padres parted with three prospects, including Max Fried, a highly touted left-handed pitcher.
Upton belted a career high 29 home runs in 2014.
For Norris (American League All-Star in 2014), the Padres sent Jesse Hahn (7-4, 3.07 as a rookie last season) and a top relief pitching prospect to Oakland. While not lauded for his defense, Norris batted .270 last season with 50 RBI’s.
Acquiring Will Middlebrooks, 23, was the most recent of the transactions, and in return for the young third baseman the Padres dealt catcher Ryan Hanigan—acquired on Wednesday—to the Red Sox.
Middlebrooks has struggled since breaking out in his rookie season in 2012 (.288 batting average, 15 home runs) but has shown flashes of power during his time in Boston.
In what has already been a busy offseason for Preller—acquired outfielders Matt Kemp and Wil Myers this past week—he has now acquired the team’s starting catcher, third baseman and added to what will be a talented outfield.