MLB free agent rumors: Next five players to sign

Justin Upton

When the San Diego Padres shipped a handful of young talent to the Atlanta Braves, including left-handed pitcher Max Fried, the organization’s No. 3 prospect, the franchise was clearly in win-now mode.

After finishing the season with a 74-88 record and 18 games behind the NL West champion Los Angeles Dodgers, it is safe to say that San Diego’s all-in effort was an utter disaster.

Now, star outfielder Justin Upton is a free agent, and chances are he will not be back for the team’s rebuilding process.

Upton did not produce prolific numbers in 2014 by any means. His .251 batting average was his worst since his first full year in the big leagues, his 81 RBI were down 21 from a year ago and his .336 on-base percentage was the lowest since his abbreviated rookie season in 2000.

But despite these minor setbacks in 2015, Upton is one of the hottest commodities left on the free agent market. Need proof?

During what many would consider a down-year for Upton, he still made an All-Star Game appearance while belting 26 home runs and swiping 19 bases.

There is a reason why he was selected No. 1 overall in the 2005 MLB Draft straight out of high school, and there is a reason why he was called up to the majors before his 20th birthday.

Upton is an incredible talent with rare physical gifts, as well as an uncanny ability to change the outcome of a game in a variety of different ways.

He does not have a singular elite characteristic, but his speed, defensive prowess, arm strength and ability to hit for average and power makes him a five-tool player that is a constant threat to any opponent.

The Los Angeles Angels and Detroit Tigers are both appealing fits, where an Upton signing could make either a favorite to win the 2016 World Series.

Next: Chris Davis