Braves trade Evan Gattis to Astros

Bob Nightengale | USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Braves have traded catcher/outfielder Evan Gattis to the Houston Astros on Tuesday in exchange for three prospects.

Gattis was in Houston on Wednesday undergoing a physical exam, according to a person close to Gattis.

Gattis, 28, becomes the third key Braves player traded this offseason, joining outfielders Jason Heyward and Justin Upton.

The Braves will receive right-handed starters Mike Foltynewicz and Andrew Thurman and third baseman Rio Ruiz.

Gattis hit 22 home runs in 2014, following up on his surprising 2013 season when he hit 21 home runs in becoming one of the game's unlikely breakout players.

He has a .791 OPS over two seasons, and was expected to move to the outfield in Atlanta with the signing of A.J. Pierzynski.

The Astros have acquired catcher Hank Conger from the Angels, but have shopped incumbent Jason Castro. Gattis would make for a significant power upgrade over Houston's current left fielders on the roster, topped by Robbie Grossman.

The gem of the trade for the Braves could be Ruiz, 20, who becomes their potential third baseman of the future. He has a career .790 OPS in three minor league seasons, and batted .290 with 11 home runs at high Class A Lancaster (Calif.) in 2014.

GALLERY: Offseason MLB trades