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MLB Free Agency: 5 potential landing spots for Justin Upton

By Dave Stevenson

Jul 30, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Justin Upton (10) hits three run home run in the ninth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 30, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Justin Upton (10) hits three run home run in the ninth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 16, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles players celebrate after clinching the AL East title after a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Orioles defeated the Jays 8-2. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports /

Baltimore Orioles

The Orioles have quite a few off-season needs even before you factor in that they are likely losing Matt Wieters, Chris Davis, Wei-Yin Chen, and Darren O’Day. They’re going to have to fill several holes. Justin Upton would help them solve an issue that plagued them during the 2015 season: their outfield production.

Last season, the Orioles got among the league’s worst production from their left fielders after losing Nelson Cruz during the off-season. Steve Pearce’s injury and slow start complicated the issue. Travis Snider performing poorly made it even worse. Upton would give the Orioles at least one reliable corner outfielder. He would fit well in the Orioles lineup and would help to replace some of the power that they have lost over the past two seasons.

However, the Orioles might want to invest their money elsewhere. They have multiple holes to fill. They likely have the resources to sign one upper-tier free agent, but it will most likely be a pitcher. That’s assuming that they don’t decide to lock up star third baseman Manny Machado long-term.

The Orioles are a team that can only have a payroll of roughly $130,000,000 to $140,000,000 tops. Upton might not fit in their plans if Machado gets extended because Machado would most likely cost at least $23,000,000 a year to extend. Upton could still be a fit if the Orioles can get him for around $15,000,000 to $20,000,000 a year.

The Orioles have an obvious need in the outfield, but they have needs elsewhere. Upton could sign with the Orioles should they decide to invest a lot of money into solving their corner outfield issues.

Next: Washington Nationals

Sep 23, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; A video tribute for Yogi Berra is shown on the score board during a moment of silence before the game between the Washington Nationals and the Baltimore Orioles at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Washington Nationals

The Nationals corner outfield situation currently consists of Bryce Harper and Jayson Werth. As of right now, Upton doesn’t make sense for them. However, perhaps the Nationals are prepared to do what it takes to get rid of Werth. Should they choose to do that, Justin Upton would be a terrific fit for a team that is looking to improve across the board in the hitting department.

Last season, Bryce Harper and Yunel Escobar carried the Nationals offense for a majority of the season. Harper had an incredible season despite opposing teams having no real reason to give him anything hittable. Upton would give Harper some protection in the lineup. Upton is not as good of a hitter as Harper and I’m sure teams would still choose to face Upton over Harper, but Upton is certainly a dangerous threat at the plate.

Obviously, there are some issues with the Nationals that could keep them from pursuing Upton. They would need to find some way to make Jayson Werth go away, whether it’s by trading him or outright releasing him.

The Nationals are a team that is looking to win now as opposed to later, so perhaps general manager Mike Rizzo and the ownership would be willing to do what it takes to get rid of Werth. Werth gave them three pretty darn good seasons, which is pretty much what they signed him for. Now it’s time to cut ties with him.

It would take some dominoes to fall in order for Upton to make sense for the Nationals. Perhaps the Nationals are willing to push some of them over in order to make their team better. Upton is certainly a guy worth doing that for.

Next: San Francisco Giants

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