The Bossman is a Blue Jay.
The San Diego Padres traded former Braves outfielder Melvin Upton Jr. and cash to Toronto Tuesday, in exchange for minor league right-hander Hansel Rodriguez
Upton was already in Toronto with the Padres when they traded him across the diamond. But joining his new team was a lot more complicated than walking down the hall.
Upton couldn't join Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins for an early afternoon press conference because he was at the nearest border crossing, in Buffalo, New York, being cleared to re-enter Canada.
When he arrived with the Padres on Sunday night, Upton was treated as a visitor. As a member of the Blue Jays, he requires a work visa to enter Canada.
Upton has had a big season for the rebuilding Padres. He is hitting .256 with 16 home runs, 45 RBIs, 46 runs scored and 20 stolen bases. He's hit three walk-off home runs. With trade rumors swirling, Upton sat out San Diego's last two games, including Monday's 4-2 loss at Toronto.
"What attracted us to him was several things," Atkins said. "The defense at all three positions, speed, base-running, base-stealer, power, versatility and depth."
Upton is in the fourth year of a five-year, $75.25 million contract he signed with the Braves before the 2013 season. He's owed $16.45 million next season.
The Padres will reportedly pay all but $5 million of the $22.5 million remaining on Upton's contract.
Upton has rejuvenated his career after struggling with the Braves. He hit .184 and .208 in two seasons after signing with the Braves as a free agent.
The Padres got Upton and closer Craig Kimbrel in a trade with the Braves on the eve of opening day 2015. Upton missed a good deal of last season with a foot injury. His brother, Justin, also was with the Padres last season.
Kimbrel was traded to Boston in the offseason for prospects and Justin Upton left as a free agent.
