Braves president on trading Kimbrel: 'He's a special guy, it was a hard thing to do'

Atlanta Braves president John Hart attempted to offer reassurance to a stunned fan base Sunday night hours after dealing four-time All-Star Craig Kimbrel to the San Diego Padres.

Hart, who also traded outfielders Justin Upton and Jason Heyward this offseason, said the decision to move Kimbrel was painful but necessary.

"This was a difficult trade to make from a personal standpoint," Hart told David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "We continue to be consistent in our plan, where we're going and what we needed to do to get there."

Related: Braves trade Kimbrel, Upton to Padres in blockbuster deal

The Braves remain steadfast in their efforts to shed as much salary as possible ahead of their 2017 reboot when they move to the state-of-the-art SunTrust Park. By moving Kimbrel and Melvin Upton Jr., who's owed $43.35 million in future salary, Atlanta stands to save nearly $80 million.

"I love Craig Kimbrel," Hart said. "He's a special guy. It was a hard thing to do."

Kimbrel, meanwhile, is apparently eager to join his new Padres teammates, many of whom were acquired during an aggressive, free-spending offseason by first-year general manager A.J. Preller.

The 26-year-old right-hander, whose career 1.43 ERA is the lowest of all-time among qualified relievers, is said to be making efforts to play Monday in San Diego's season opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

"Saw an opportunity to acquire who is arguably the best at what he does," Preller told reporters. "He's a guy that cares about his teammates, cares about the game, cares about his craft."