The Atlanta Braves haven't made the playoffs since 2013, when they lost to the Dodgers in the first round. The Dodgers have a playoff run of five straight years that started in 2013.
In mid-December, the Braves traded 33-year-old former Dodger Matt Kemp back to his first team, ostensibly to shed the remaining two years and a $43-million salary and make room for 20-year-old top prospect Ronald Acuna in the outfield.
Sometimes it works out that both teams can benefit in unexpected ways. Kemp has surprised most in that he is expected to be a starter on the Dodgers opening-day roster and McCarthy and Kazmir may form two-fifths of the Braves starting pitching rotation.