Justin Upton closing in on deal with Detroit Tigers.
The Detroit Tigers have a habit of swooping into the free agent market late in the game. They did it with Johnny Damon and they did it with Prince Fielder. Could they be doing it again?
According to Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal, they just might be with Justin Upton.
Sources: #Tigers close to six-year deal with free-agent outfielder Justin Upton.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 19, 2016
This deal is expected to be in the $125 million range.
Sources: Upton six-year deal with #Tigers expected to be in $125M range. Agreed upon in principal, per @BNightengale.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 19, 2016
The move does make some sense. They currently have Tyler Collins and Anthony Gose patrolling left field for them.
Upton is just 28 years old, and last year he was an All-Star for the San Diego Padres, posting a .251/.336/.454 with 26 homers and 81 RBI. The Padres made him a qualifying offer, so they would get a pick for him. The Tigers’ first round pick is protected since they have a top-10 pick. They signed Jordan Zimmermann earlier in the off-season to bolster the rotation who was tied to draft pick compensation.
Upton would give the Tigers more right-handed pop to go along with Miguel Cabrera and J.D. Martinez. He did well against righties last year as well. He hit .266 compared to just .191 vs left handed pitching. 23 of his 26 homers were against right-handed pitching as well.
The Tigers have already added Cameron Maybin to play center field for them this off-season. If Upton were to sign, the Tigers’ entire lineup would be right-handed except for DH Victor Martinez.
Mike Ilitch is itching for a championship and the Tigers continue to reload. This is another example of that.