Atlanta Braves trade Jason Heyward to Cardinals

The Atlanta Braves have traded outfielder Jason Heyward and relief pitcher Jordan Walden to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for pitchers Shelby Miller and Tyrell Jenkins.

The #Braves have acquired RHP Shelby Miller and RHP Tyrell Jenkins from the Cardinals in exchange for OF Jason Heyward and RHP Jordan Walden

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) November 17, 2014

The Braves went into the offseason looking to add depth to their pitching staff. They get that in the form of Miller who went 10-9 with a 3.74 ERA with the Cardinals last season. Jenkins was a high level prospect for the Cardinals and just completed a solid showing in the Arizona Fall League with a 2.22 ERA and 28 strikeouts in six starts.

The price tag was high however, given Heyward's offensive potential and his value in the outfield. Atlanta was unable to reach a long-term contract with Heyward and ultimately chose to move him now rather than risk seeing him walk away while getting nothing back in return.

Also in the deal is Jordan Walden who at 26, was one of the Braves best options in their bullpen last season. Walden appeared in 58 games for Atlanta and posted a 2.88 ERA with 62 strikeouts.