The Atlanta Braves announced Friday night that they have acquired three-time All-Star Matt Carpenter, left-handed reliever Ray Kerr and cash from the San Diego Padres for minor-league outfielder Drew Campbell.
Carpenter, 38, signed with the Padres last off-season and exercised a $5.5-million option for 2024 on Nov. 3.
In 2023, he posted a .641 OPS with five home runs in 76 games. He primarily served as San Diego’s designated hitter but also played 81 innings at first base.
The long-time St. Louis Cardinal finished fourth in MVP voting in 2013, and is just one year removed from slashing .305/.412/.727 with the New York Yankees.
Kerr, 29, made his MLB debut with the Padres in 2022, and appeared in 22 games with San Diego in 2023. He finished the season with a 4.33 ERA and 35 strikeouts over 27 innings pitched.
On the other side of the trade, the Padres receive Campbell, a 26-year-old outfielder who slashed .254/.307/.404 with nine home runs over 78 games with Atlanta’s double-A affiliate in 2023.
