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The Pirates have traded Nate McLouth to the Braves for three players.

The Braves have acquired All-Star outfielder Nate McLouth from the Pirates in exchange for three highly regarded Minor League prospects.

A Major League source confirmed that the Pirates will send McLouth to the Braves in exchange for right-handed pitcher Charlie Morton, left-handed pitcher Jeff Locke and outfielder Gorkys Hernandez.

McLouth, who is hitting .256 with nine homers and a .470 slugging percentage this year, will likely serve as the Braves’ everyday center fielder. The 26-year-old outfielder hit .276 with 26 homers and 94 RBIs last year.

Morton has pitched well for Triple-A Gwinnett, going 7-2 with a 2.51 ERA, 1.052 ERA and 55:16 K:BB ratio in 64.2 innings. Look for him to promoted soon and get a shot in the Pirates rotation.

Hernandez, playing for the Brave’s Double A team, is hitting .316 is 212 AB’s.  11 doubles, 1 triple and 19 RBI. He has been sucessful on 10 of 18 steal attemps.

Locke, pitched for Myrtle Beach Pelicans (A). He was 1-4 with a 5.52 era. In his 10 starts he pitched 45.2 innings, striking out 43 and walking 26.

The Pirates have reaclled Andrew McCutchen. at AAA Indianapolis, McCutchen hit .303 with 4 Hrs and 20 Rbi. He stole 10 bases in 12 attemps and his OBP is .361 and slg pct is .853

Here are some quotes from Pirates GM Neal Huntington, fresh off the official news release:

On the trade: “This may be the toughest decision we have made in my time with the organization. Nate is a quality player and person but, as we have said several times, tough decisions will need to be made as we build and sustain a championship-caliber organization. Nate has worked as hard as any player to become a starting major league Player, proving wrong anyone who may have doubted him. When we signed Nate to a long-term contract, we did so with the intent on having him remain part of our core of homegrown talent. But the quality and quantity of talent we are receiving in this trade moves us closer to our goal of building that sustainable championship-caliber club and compelled us to move a very good player and an outstanding young man.”

Locke: “An intriguing young left-handed starter with the frame, athleticism and stuff to become a quality major-league starting pitcher.”

Morton: “A power right-handed starting pitcher who is excelling at Class AAA. He is close to being ready for the big leagues and has the upside to become a quality major league starting pitcher.”

Hernandez: “A dynamic player who has the potential to become an above-average major league outfielder. He is a quality athlete with plus speed and plays above-average defense. He has bat speed and the upside to develop into a productive table setter.

Minor league assignments:

Morton to Class AAA Indianapolis

Hernandez to Class AA Altoona

Locke to high Class A Lynchburg

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