While we were busy reliving Jason Heyward’s Opening Day arrival, there was another big event that took place on April 5 in Atlanta Braves history. Saturday was also the fifth anniversary of the Craig Kimbrel trade with the San Diego Padres.
On the eve of Opening Day, Atlanta sent Kimbrel and outfielder B.J. Upton to the Padres for outfielders Cameron Maybin, Carlos Quentin, Jordan Paroubeck, RHP Matt Wisler and the 41st pick in the 2015 Draft. The trade was big and it stung as the Braves were forced to attach Kimbrel in a trade just to move Upton and the remaining money left on his contract.