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MLB Free Agency: Top five remaining free agents

By Dave Stevenson

Nov 7, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Detailed view of an official baseball during the Arizona Fall League Fall Stars game at Salt River Fields. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Detailed view of an official baseball during the Arizona Fall League Fall Stars game at Salt River Fields. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 2, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Justin Upton (10) singles during the sixth inning against the Texas Rangers at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 2, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Justin Upton (10) singles during the sixth inning against the Texas Rangers at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Justin Upton

Justin Upton is probably the best overall MLB outfielder available in free agency. He has a bat that is at worst comparable to Yoenis Cespedes. His game is more fine-tuned than Cespedes and he is 28 years old. He doesn’t turn 29 years old until August. He is more talented than Cespedes, though Cespedes has better stats than Upton. Upton has much better plate discipline than the free-swinging Cespedes. Upton should find a home pretty soon.

He has hit at least 20 home runs in five of his last seven seasons. His 4.4 WAR in 2015 was the second best of his career, trailing only his 5.7 WAR season in 2011. He has a career batting average of .271, which isn’t too attractive, but his career .352 OBP sure is. He gets on base more consistently than Cespedes does despite getting fewer hits.

Upton was able to have success last season despite playing in Petco Park, which is one of the most pitcher-friendly ballparks in the MLB. He had a .790 OPS with 26 homers and 81 RBIs to go along with 68 walks. He struck out 159 times, which is certainly better than most power hitters of Upton’s caliber.

Upton has been getting interest from numerous MLB clubs and teams are quickly going to start justifying giving up a first round pick to get the talented outfielder.

Next: 1. Chris Davis

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