Justin Upton with the Atlanta Braves
Sep 10, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Atlanta Braves left fielder Justin Upton (8) hits a two-run double during the seventh inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. The Braves won 6-2. Reuters

The San Diego Padres have acquired Justin Upton in a multi-player trade with the Atlanta Braves, which will receive Max Fried, Jace Peterson, Dustin Peterson and Mallex Smith. The Padres also got right-handed pitcher Aaron Northcraft. San Diego chose to deal the 27-year-old Upton who will become a free agent after the 2015 Major League Baseball (MLB) season. Upton is expected to demand a contract of over $100 million.

Earlier in the week, the Padres acquired Matt Kemp from the Los Angeles Dodgers and Will Myers from the Tampa Bay Rays. The 21-year-old Fried is not expected to play for the Braves until 2016 due to recent injuries to his arm. Peterson is a 25-year-old second baseman who is expected to have a bigger role with the club. Northcraft, Dustin Peterson and Smith are both considered prospects.

The key figure in the five-player trade is Upton, who hit .270 last season with 34 doubles, two triples and 29 home runs. The two-time MLB All-Star (2009 and 2011) and two-time Silver Slugger Awaree (2011 and 2014)had 102 RBI and 77 runs scored in 154 games for the Braves in the 2014 MLB season.

Upton, who was the top pick in the 2005 MLB Draft out of high school,will be the eighth former number one draft selection to appear with the Padres, joining Mike Ivie (1970), Dave Roberts (1972), Bill Almon (1974), Shawn Abner (1984), Andy Benes (1988), Phil Nevin (1992) and Adrian Gonzalez (2000). The San Diego Padres will be the third team by Upton in his MLB career playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks from 2007 to 2012 and the Atlanta Braves from 2013 to 2014.

On Twitter, Upton showed gratitude to his Atlanta Braves fans and was excited to play for his new team.

Thank you to all the @Braves fans, staff, coaches and teammates. Excited for this new opportunity with @Padres . Can't wait to get going.

— Justin Upton (@JUP_8TL) December 19, 2014

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