Free agent outfielder Justin Upton has agreed to terms with the Detroit Tigers on a six-year deal worth $132.75 million, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
Justin Upton reportedly agrees to 6-year, $132.75 million deal with Tigers
Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Upton hit .251/.336/.454 with 26 home runs, 26 doubles and 19 stolen bases in 150 games for the San Diego Padres in 2015. He also posted a 121 OPS+ and 120 wRC+ while patrolling left field.
Upton was ranked as the seventh-best free agent in baseball this offseason by our own Grant Brisbee.
The Tigers will be Upton’s fourth team in the last five seasons.
At 28 years old, Upton is one of the youngest free agents on the market. The No. 1 overall pick in 2005 has played in at least 149 games in each of the last five years. For the last seven seasons he has averaged 30 doubles, 25 home runs, 16 steals, 89 runs and 80 RBI in 148 games per year while hitting .275/.354/.478 with a 124 OPS+ and 125 wRC+ during that span.
Over those seven seasons (2009-15), Upton averaged between 3.5 and 3.7 Wins Above Replacement per year, according to Baseball-Reference and FanGraphs, respectively.
During his career, which has spanned nine seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, and Padres, the right-handed Upton has been particularly adept at hitting left-handed pitching to the tune of .273/.380/.506 against southpaws with a .379 wOBA and a 135 wRC+.
But he has also been effective against right-handed pitching, hitting .271/.342/.463 against same-handed pitchers with a .350 wOBA and 116 wRC+ throughout his career.
Upton declined a qualifying offer from San Diego, rejecting a one-year, $15.8 million contract to enter free agency.
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