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MLB Trade Rumors: Toronto Blue Jays expected to acquire Melvin Upton Jr

By Dave Stevenson

July 8, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Melvin Upton Jr. (2) hits a single in the fifth inning against Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
July 8, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Melvin Upton Jr. (2) hits a single in the fifth inning against Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Toronto Blue Jays have reported agreed to acquire outfielder Melvin Upton Jr. from the San Diego Padres in exchange for a Class A prospect. 

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It took a while for the Toronto Blue Jays to settle into the 2016 season, but they currently find themselves in a good position. They are competing for one of the two wild card spot and currently hold a 1.5 game lead in the wild card race. The Blue Jays are also trying to catch the Baltimore Orioles for the AL East division crown. According to Ken Rosenthal, they have acquired some reinforcements as they have agreed in principle to a deal that will send San Diego Padres outfielder Melvin Upton Jr. to the Blue Jays.

For the Padres, this trade will serve as a little more than a salary dump. While Upton is still a good outfielder, the Padres have been trying to trade Upton because they want to open a spot for one of their impressive young outfielders. Unlike the Baltimore Orioles, the Blue Jays weren’t asking the Padres to take anything back. Reportedly, the Orioles wanted the Padres to take on Ubaldo Jimenez’s contract.

This would be an interesting trade for the Blue Jays because it remains to be seen exactly what kind of role Upton will play for the Blue Jays in 2016. Would he serve as a fourth outfielder? Perhaps he platoons with Michael Saunders? Saunders has struggled against left-handed starters (.763 OPS against them) but Upton has a .959 OPS against left-handed starters. Upton’s contract goes through next season. His role in 2017 is much more clear – he would likely replacing Jose Bautista if the Jays can’t re-sign him.

The Jays would be paying a fairly hefty salary for a non-everyday player in 2016 but Upton is a darn good player. Both teams would get what they want in this trade.

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