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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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Aug 4, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; General view of a San Francisco Giants hat and glove in the dugout against the Atlanta Braves in the third inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

San Francisco Giants

The San Francisco Giants are going to be a fun team to watch in free agency. They have money to spend and they have several holes to fill. Most people tend to think that they will go after pitching. I agree with that. However, should they look to improve their outfield, Justin Upton would be a fantastic fit for them.

The Giants are looking to add to their outfield. Bruce Bochy has shown in the past that he doesn’t particularly care about his corner outfielders’ defense if they can hit. Keep in mind Bochy won a World Series in 2014 when he had a platoon of Michael Morse and Travis Ishikawa in left field. Justin Upton would be a huge upgrade to the Giants in left field and he would help them revive a rather stagnant offense.

There is one major concern that could stop the Giants from pursuing Justin Upton. Upton is a great power hitter. AT&T Park tends to be cruel to power hitters. It’s the most pitcher-friendly park in the majors by a fairly significant margin. That said, Justin Upton actually hit better at Petco Park (another noted pitcher-friendly park) than he did on the road last season. He had 15 homers at Petco Park and 11 homers everywhere else. Upton is likely worth the risk because he can hit homers no matter where he plays.

Justin Upton could be the guy who helps the Giants win another World Series or two. Maybe even in an odd-numbered year!

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