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MLB Trade Rumors: Tigers moving Justin Upton?

By Rob Wolkenbrod

Sep 30, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Detroit Tigers left fielder Justin Upton (8) walks back to third base against the Atlanta Braves in the fifth inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Detroit Tigers left fielder Justin Upton (8) walks back to third base against the Atlanta Braves in the fifth inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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After only one year in Detroit, the Tigers could move Justin Upton this winter.

It took months for Justin Upton to be signed in the 2015 MLB offseason. He had hit 26 home runs with the San Diego Padres, but with a .251 batting average and OPS below .800. These aren’t bad numbers, but can’t be described as eye-popping either.

About one month before pitchers and catchers reported for the 2016 season, the Detroit Tigers signed Upton to a six-year, $130-plus million deal to be their left fielder. He would join a lineup including the likes of Miguel Cabrera and Ian Kinsler. This led to a very slow start to the year, but the former No. 1 overall pick ended up producing 31 home runs and 87 RBIs. A lowly .246 average and .310 on-base percentage accompanied this, though.

Well, after just one year, the Tigers already want to move Upton, according to ESPN’s Buster Olney. He noted that the team tried to trade the 29-year-old during the season, but were unsuccessful. So, they will try again this winter.

Finding a trade partner to take Upton could be an issue. While he has five years left on his deal, there’s an opt-out clause after the 2017 season. If he has a subpar performance next year, he could avoid using this and eat up $88-plus million for four more years. On the other hand, Upton may have a monster season and become a team’s best hitter. However, he may then opt-out and look for an even bigger contract, especially since he’s going into his age-30 season. Players usually begin to taper off around this point, so he could look for one last big payday.

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The 2016 season proved to be a disappointment for the Tigers, so potentially moving Justin Upton would be part of a retooling process. Could someone else move with him?

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