MLB Trade Deadline Rumors: 5 trades Tigers should make
3. Trade Justin Upton
The lone Tigers representative at the All-Star Game in Miami, Justin Upton has hit .278/.366/.503 in his second season in Detroit – all of which are his best since at least 2012. The 29-year-old slugger has also connected for 16 home runs and 28 doubles, has driven in 61 runs and scored 59. His walk rate (11.4 percent) is on the rise, and his strikeout rate (25.7) is down slightly compared to 2016 (28.6 percent).
In addition to the improvement Upton has shown at the plate in his second season in Detroit, he has also been better in the field. According to FanGraphs defensive metrics, Upton was a below average fielder from 2012-16, with last season being one of his worst defensive performances. But this year, Upton has a 2.2 Defensive rating, and has a 6.3 Ultimate Zone Rating in left field. He also has 12 Defensive Runs Saved – a career high.
The only thing hurting Upton’s value in the trade market is his contract. Though he is still in his prime years, Upton is owed $22.125 million every year through 2021, and many of the clubs most in need of his services this year would likely balk at taking on such a commitment.
For instance, the Kansas City Royals could use an offensive upgrade in left field, though even with the club prepared to go all-in to make another run at a World Series this year, it’s unlikely Kansas City would be willing to take on Upton’s contract. However, the Nationals, who ranks 28th in the majors in left field fWAR (0.0), have been hurt by injuries and could use a replacement for 38-year-old Jayson Werth, who will be a free agent at the end of the season (and a candidate to retire).