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Angels Release Justin Upton

By Darragh McDonald | April 8, 2022 at 10:30pm CDT

The Angels have released Justin Upton, per the team’s transactions tracker at MLB.com.

The move isn’t terribly shocking, as Upton was designated for assignment last week. With $28MM remaining on his contract, no team was going to claim him on waivers, as doing so would mean absorbing that entire cost. However, the Angels could have tried to eat some of that salary as a way of working out a trade with another team, but evidently either didn’t try or didn’t succeed at doing so.

Now that he has been released, the other 29 teams in the league will be free to sign Upton and pay him just the league minimum salary, with the Angels on the hook for the remainder. This is the second time in the past year that the Angels have jettisoned a veteran player on an expensive contract, after doing the same with Albert Pujols in May of last year.

Pujols ended up landing with the Dodgers, who tried their best to limit his exposure to same-sided pitching. In 85 games with the Dodgers, he put up an overall line of .254/.299/.460 for a wRC of 101. Upton is coming off three straight below-average years at the plate, but he could follow a similar path to his former teammate. His career splits aren’t terribly drastic, with a wRC+ of 127 against southpaws and 115 against righties. Last year, however, it was more stark, with a .225/.355/.483 line against lefties amounting to a wRC+ of 130. Against northpaws, it was just .205/.272/.380, wRC+ of 76.

For a team that needs a right-handed bat for their bench/pinch hitter/designated hitter mix, they could do much worse than taking a flier on the 34-year-old at no cost. Upton hasn’t been an above average defensive outfielder in some time, though he was working on playing first base in Spring Training, which could theoretically increase his market, in addition to the implementation of the universal DH this year.

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Los Angeles Angels Justin Upton

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View Comments (154)

Comments

  1. Ichirosasaki

    1 month ago

    Typical Angels

    Reply
    • Winslow Leach

      1 month ago

      Typical Mariner fan reaction

      Reply
      • Braves Butt-Head

        1 month ago

        Pujols last year and Upton this year so

        Reply
        • BeansforJesus

          1 month ago

          Next year Justin Uptons wife will have surgery and he will divorce her.

          The circle of life.

        • The best23

          1 month ago

          Stupid comment get education first n come back

      • dbicknell80

        1 month ago

        The Rangers are still laughing at the Angels about Josh Hamilton

        Reply
        • BeansforJesus

          1 month ago

          They better not be. Josh has a temper

        • DODGER JR

          1 month ago

          The Rangers just gave up 10 runs to Toronto tonight and blew a 6-0 lead so they aren’t laughing at anyone.

        • goalieguy41

          1 month ago

          It was 7-0

        • deweybelongsinthehall

          1 month ago

          Northpaw?

        • A'sfaninLondonUK

          1 month ago

          I must admit to rather liking “northpaw” and will use it more in conversation.

        • justinkm19

          1 month ago

          Toronto may have the best line-up in baseball. They will do damage to many teams. Gray was mowing them down until a blister popped up on his hand in the 3rd.

        • mmyechoandbunnymen

          1 month ago

          With the nickname of “Southpaw” for lefties, is this really the first time you’ve heard or realized a righty would be called a “northpaw”?

        • Cosmo2

          1 month ago

          First time I ever thought about it

        • Ducky Buckin Fent

          1 month ago

          I liked that one, @Dewey.

          I’m a northpaw myself, @A’sfaninLondonUK.

    • Tcsbaseball

      1 month ago

      Adell is off to a nice start too, 0-5 with 5 K’s

      Reply
      • A'sfaninLondonUK

        1 month ago

        @Tcsbaseball re Adell

        He only does it to fuel trade conversations in the chats. Is it possible for MLBTR readers to sponsor his uniform now before PTBNL beats us to it?

        Reply
      • kdub53

        1 month ago

        And missing catchers by 20 feet.

        Reply
  2. Murphy NFLD

    1 month ago

    Bucs should pick him up, hope he plays ok and flip him for a prospect at the deadline

    Reply
    • Thesecondjamie

      1 month ago

      Or maybe just you know play for them because that roster is baddddd

      Reply
    • Cosmo2

      1 month ago

      Dreams dreams dreams

      Reply
    • SalaryCapMyth

      1 month ago

      I don’t think it’s THAT much of a dream. At league minimum, someone will give him a shot.

      Reply
      • Cosmo2

        1 month ago

        He’s not bringing anything back at the deadline. Perfectly good starting left fielder or DH for a team that is losing or has the lineup to carry him.

        Reply
      • Ducky Buckin Fent

        1 month ago

        League minimum?

        Lord. Someone steal Cashman’s cell phone.

        Reply
  3. superbulldog345

    1 month ago

    padres legend justin upton

    Reply
  4. BeansforJesus

    1 month ago

    He will put up a solid slash this year and sign a two year deal that the team will regret shortly after opening day 2023.

    Reply
  5. Winslow Leach

    1 month ago

    I bet the Mariners grab him. Dipoto will do it to spite the Angels

    Reply
    • crazybaseballgal

      1 month ago

      Nah. Building the Mariners to #1 farm was a to the Angels

      Reply
  6. bucsfan0004

    1 month ago

    Please let a small market team with no hope claim him, fix him, and flip him at the trade deadline.

    Reply
    • SalaryCapMyth

      1 month ago

      I’d like to see that myself and I would love to see that happen wearing an eye patch and a hook.

      Reply
    • SCarton12

      1 month ago

      Rays could use him, having JLowe as the DH against a LH starter is absurd. Wake up Neander! Bring up Lowe when you trade KK.

      Reply
  7. PipptyPoppitygivemetheZoppity

    1 month ago

    Cleveland Indians here he goes

    Reply
    • raltongo

      1 month ago

      ehhh I think his league minimum salary would be tough for them to squeeze into that payroll

      Reply
    • Col_chestbridge

      1 month ago

      If he can play 1B, he’s legitimately a better platoon option than Chang or Miller.

      Reply
    • solaris602

      1 month ago

      They’d have very little to lose in brining in Upton to play 1B. This makes a ton of sense for CLE, but they won’t do it (there’s always an excuse) because they have a 40-man roster crunch, and they’d have to DFA someone.

      Reply
      • Angels & NL West

        1 month ago

        The Angels experimented with Upton at 1B, but it did not work out. He is best utilized as a DH and in LF. That said, I did not think anyone would sign Pujols last year so I’m not the best source.

        Reply
    • mmyechoandbunnymen

      1 month ago

      Cleveland has a second team?

      Reply
      • Bart Harley Jarvis

        1 month ago

        I just know about the ‘ians.

        Reply
  8. Fink Ployd

    1 month ago

    Mr. Cashman on line one.

    Reply
    • Ducky Buckin Fent

      1 month ago

      Scroll up. I am hoping someone steals his cellphone, man. After making us all have to root for MarwinfeckingGonzalez we simply cannot trust that man.

      Reply
  9. LFGMets (Metsin7)

    1 month ago

    Future Yankee or Dodger

    Reply
    • Yankee Clipper

      1 month ago

      Not anymore, man. Yankees are so far removed from that now, it’s not even funny. He’s probably way too expensive for the Yanks right now.

      Reply
      • mmyechoandbunnymen

        1 month ago

        Yankees being unable to afford league minimum is really funny

        Reply
      • Ducky Buckin Fent

        1 month ago

        League minimum, Clip. Cash probably needs some alone time just hearing those words.

        Reply
    • tad2b13

      1 month ago

      I’m not that familiar with the Yanks 40-man, maybe someone can help me out there, but I find it hard to believe there’s anyone that they’d be willing to waive to make room for Upton. It would seem silly to put a young guy, under team control but out of options, through waivers, to sign Upton. Seems like it would have to be a pitcher if they did. As it is, I know they have a couple guys on the 60 day IL, but not sure if they’re expected back, which could complicate things later on.

      Reply
      • Ducky Buckin Fent

        1 month ago

        They signed Marwin Gonzalez who had an OPS 98 points lower than Tyler Wade. I don’t think it’ll happen. I also think it could, tad. Like for real.

        Reply
  10. fudd5150

    1 month ago

    Dude sucks. He’s a man of glass. ALEAYS getting injured.

    Reply
    • You Can Put It In The Books

      1 month ago

      I bet he’s good at spelling though.

      Reply
      • Joey Votto's bat warmer

        1 month ago

        Aleays wins the local spelling bee!

        Reply
      • Fink Ployd

        1 month ago

        Typing is a different skill than spelling. (The W and E keys are right next to each other.)

        Reply
        • You Can Put It In The Books

          1 month ago

          Fuggouttahere.

      • Buster79

        1 month ago

        The E is silent

        Reply
        • deweybelongsinthehall

          1 month ago

          I’m still thinking Boston. Everyone thought Rob R was making the club. He didn’t buy the team still needs a right handed hitting outfielder and at minimal cost, why not?

    • Yankee Clipper

      1 month ago

      Yous guys gots jokes, but how do yous know, it might be an acronym that ain’t popular yet?

      Reply
  11. holycowdude

    1 month ago

    I’d love to see the Braves bring him back. And they could definitely use an upgrade at DH for the next month until Ronnie is back.

    Reply
    • elmedius

      1 month ago

      Acuna deserves a better nickname than adding an ie or y to his name. Make it happen.

      Reply
      • BeansforJesus

        1 month ago

        He was a big fan of the back to back to back academy award winning Kurt Russell film Captain Ron. That’s why he likes being called Ron or Ronnie.

        No one calls him any variation of Ron

        Reply
    • SalaryCapMyth

      1 month ago

      Oh elmedius. You brought my horrible ideas on yourself. That and I’m stoned enough to think this might be clever. =}

      Nicknames for Ronald Acuna:
      RCuna or Arcuna: kind of a classic
      Also; HRcuna or maybe AcunRunscoreda

      Reply
      • raltongo

        1 month ago

        nickname? how about

        Ronald “Freddie tried to teach me how to respect the game but I’m a child and didn’t want to listen, so I waited until he was long gone to talk trash about him” Acuna Jr.

        A bit wordy, but it’s got a nice ring to it.

        Reply
        • raltongo

          1 month ago

          or, to really encapsulate his league-leading ability to stand and admire long drives that are short of a home run, he could be dubbed

          Ronald “long singles” Acuna Jr. That’s got a really nice ring to it…

          “Here comes ol’ Ronnie Long Singles”

        • flamingbagofpoop

          1 month ago

          Ronnie Long Singles is a pretty great name

    • juanc-2

      1 month ago

      Acuna Matata

      Reply
      • Bart Harley Jarvis

        1 month ago

        Acuron?

        Reply
  12. bravesfan0618

    1 month ago

    Good pickup for Rays or Marlins. Minimum salary for a player with some pop, only $700k.

    Reply
    • You Can Put It In The Books

      1 month ago

      Too expensive for the Marlins. Maybe they can lure BJ out of retirement at a discount.

      Reply
      • BeansforJesus

        1 month ago

        But…they’d be paid the same.

        Although anyone named Bossman Junior should be paid more than everyone else. It’s just science.

        Reply
      • tad2b13

        1 month ago

        League minimum is too expensive? Wow, the Marlins are worse off than I thought.

        Reply
    • SCarton12

      1 month ago

      Tampa could use him. My gosh Josh Lowe as the DH vs a LH starter. Come on Rays quit being cute , Ramirez is a maybe. This reminds me of Tsutugo. Get a real RHH DH!

      Reply
      • Hammerin' Hank

        1 month ago

        Josh don’t need to be platooned. Let the young studs play every day!

        Reply
  13. For Love of the Game

    1 month ago

    He signed a ball for my son so not a terrible dude, just a player in serious decline.

    Reply
    • RoastGobot

      1 month ago

      I read an interesting article about him once a long piece in some magazine back when we read magazines and when he was young

      Reply
  14. fishy2022

    1 month ago

    Tigers platoon him with Meadows?

    Reply
    • SportsFan0000

      1 month ago

      No room for him on Tigers. Riley Green will come back and bump a current, young, producing major league player on both offense and defense to AAA.
      Didn’t Tigers trade him to the Angels already?!

      Reply
      • tigerfan4ever

        1 month ago

        The Tigers will not sign him. By the time Greene is ready, the outfield situation will shake out as they will go with Meadows, Baddoo, Greene and Grossman and Haase (who has proven he can catch and play left field) I’d like to know which young, producing player on offense and defense will be sent down. All that’s left after that is Reyes who is streaky at best and his time is nearing an end. He’ll probably have limited time in the outfield and will do what he does best and pinch run for Miggy in the late innings. Tigers aren’t and shouldn’t be in the discussion to reacquire Upton, who yes they traded to the Angels previously. Also, don’t forget they still will promote Pineda once his innings are ramped up and likely will do the same for Peralta as well, so Reyes might be DFAd for one of them. Plus, Chafin will be activated by the time Greene is ready.

        Reply
    • GarryHarris

      1 month ago

      The ChiSox seem bent on ruining their superb rebuilding efforts of the last few years. I wouldn’t be surprised if Justin Upton ends up the CHW DH.

      Reply
      • tigerfan4ever

        1 month ago

        If the White Sox sign Upton, the Tigers win the Central and Tony LaRussa reretires at the end of the season. Inevitable scenario right?

        Reply
        • GarryHarris

          1 month ago

          Tony LaRussa retired 10 years ago. IAt the beginning of the off season, I thought the ChiSox run away from the division. Now, I don’t think ChiSox even win the division anymore. Pitching is questionable and the entire division has improved.

  15. You Can Put It In The Books

    1 month ago

    I will forever be thankful for Upton’s rain delayed walkoff HR in SD against the Mets in 2015 that was the catalyst for the Mets trip to the World Series. We didn’t get a ring but it was a fun season and playoffs. Future is bright. LFGM

    Reply
    • dlw0906

      1 month ago

      It may be the Nats they are playing but its nice to see them executing with men on base and just hitting the ball instead of swinging for the fences and striking or popping out. LFGM

      Reply
      • You Can Put It In The Books

        1 month ago

        Two major changes being overlooked by the non-believers are just how good the offseason additions to the lineup will be and Buck’s ability to manage a pitching staff over the long haul.

        Reply
  16. Codeeg

    1 month ago

    I hope he can bounce back, but also he’ll be 35 this season. He needs to get some Barry training soon.

    Reply
  17. dlw0906

    1 month ago

    I could see the A’s signing him. The 18-year Upton run in MLB that started in 2004 with BJ may be coming to the end.

    Reply
    • drfelix

      1 month ago

      Yep this would be perfect for the A’s situation

      Reply
  18. Old York

    1 month ago

    Should have released Ohtani so the Yankees could pick him up.

    Reply
  19. SugaMonkey

    1 month ago

    Arte Moreno messed up the Angels with Pujols, Wilson, Hamilton, Wells, Matthews, Upton, and soon to be Rendon.

    Mike Scioscia and Arte Moreno messed up by not letting Jose Guillen play in the ‘04 playoffs. Jeff DeVannon, really?

    Seems like the smart move would have been to trade Trout and collect a whole farm system for him.

    Reply
    • saintguitar

      1 month ago

      I agree with most of what you said.

      I do not agree with the Trout comment. I think the problem has been compounding when Moreno kept buying the expensive aging position players instead of top caliber pitchers and just trying to push the luck button with the bounce back candidates or mid-rotation pitchers.

      It will at least take 2-3 years to correct the damage Moreno has done and by then Trout will be past his prime and Ohtani possibly gone 🙁

      Reply
      • Mike Piazza Pie

        1 month ago

        Your last stanza makes a great case for why they should trade Trout

        Reply
        • YankeesBleacherCreature

          1 month ago

          Or sign some good pitchers. Payroll is at $189M. It’s LA, or Anaheim if you want to be technical, and they’re perennially in top ten in gate receipts.

        • stymeedone

          1 month ago

          @mikepiazzapie
          Too late. With that contract, there is little surplus value. Trout would not be easy to trade. The Angels would get a lot less than expected back, as it would basically be a salary dump move. Only large market teams would be an option.

        • You Can Put It In The Books

          1 month ago

          Steve Cohen on line 1.

    • GarryHarris

      1 month ago

      Jose Guillen was a good player but I read he was difficult. Maybe that had something to do with it.

      Reply
      • SugaMonkey

        1 month ago

        Yes, but when it comes to the playoffs go with what got you there. I say tough it out Mike Scioscia! Release the guy in the off-season.

        Reply
    • beyou02215

      1 month ago

      Even that Trout contract is going to turn into a huge albatross. Will it be in 1 year or 2 or 3 or 4? It’s inevitable.

      Reply
  20. Joey Votto's bat warmer

    1 month ago

    Reds need a LF or a bat. He can DH. Plus, GABP would be a great fit for 30+ HR. You know Moose Pham and Senzel won’t stay healthy for 162 games. All three will end up on the IL. Aquino had 4ks vs Atlanta. Not a high risk for #SELLTHETEAMBOB!

    Reply
    • Winslow Leach

      1 month ago

      Top 3. And Trout is going no where. You guys need new material. If a team had really good players and wanted Trout. Why would Trout agree to go to the team that traded away their best prospects for 1 player. The new team would be worse than the Angel team he’s leaving. I

      Reply
      • Joe It All

        1 month ago

        You replied to a comment talking about the Reds taking a flier on signing Upton and assumed they were taking about Trout. They didn’t make one mention of Trout. Trout being moved was brought up in comments above that one.

        Reply
        • Winslow Leach

          1 month ago

          Joe it all – I was replying to Yankee Bleacher but Joey Votto got his post in before mine. .

        • StefanArkansas

          1 month ago

          You’re on a completely different thread bud. Try again

        • myaccount2

          1 month ago

          Lol it’s not even the same comment chain. You just clicked the wrong spot. It’s okay to admit that.

        • Winslow Leach

          1 month ago

          Again I was replying to Yankee. That’s why at beginning I put Top3 in reference to his statement about the Angels being in top 10 in gate receipts.

  21. jessaumodesto

    1 month ago

    He would be the best player on the A’s.
    By a lot!

    Reply
  22. pc01

    1 month ago

    Upton will get a game-winning hit in the ALCS… for the Astros.

    Reply
    • justinkm19

      1 month ago

      Only if they tell him which pitch is coming.

      Reply
  23. tjmacari

    1 month ago

    For a moment I was thinking my A’s should grab him until I realized a moment later they WANT to be bad and went through a lot of effort to be bad. Might as well let’s the kids play

    Reply
    • prov356

      1 month ago

      Have you seen Upton play? He’d fit right in to the A’s mold.

      Reply
  24. mpmks

    1 month ago

    I doubt any team with no contention aspirations would take him. Why give up a 40 man position he will not create a deadline return better chance of DFA before then. Maybe Cubs, Guardians or Giants give him a short lease chance as a platoon right side DH.

    Reply
    • tad2b13

      1 month ago

      Not sure about the Cubs, or Guards, but I doubt the Giants have any interest, at all. It’s hard to imagine who they think is worse than Upton on the 40 man that they would waive. I suppose a minor league deal for depth is possible, but otherwise, the Giants signing Upton isn’t going to happen.

      Reply
  25. Ron Tingley

    1 month ago

    Angels could use an outfielder.

    Reply
    • kellin

      1 month ago

      Angels could use a manager. I was curious as to why people have been upset with Maddon, but the first two game have made me understand.

      Reply
      • RJNarvick

        1 month ago

        Been saying this since they signed him……He’s brutal when it comes to managing a pitching staff. When assembling a line up card thinks it fun to play someone out of position.

        Reply
        • myaccount2

          1 month ago

          I think Maddon’s biggest problem is not evolving as the game evolves. He was ahead of his time in Tampa, on even ground in Chicago, now he’s behind in Anaheim.

        • Hammerin' Hank

          1 month ago

          He loves to bat Walsh 6th and have someone like Matt Duffy hit cleanup.

  26. tad2b13

    1 month ago

    It’s hard to imagine any team with hopes of contending, or with any kind of a 40 man roster crunch, signing Upton to anything more than a MiL deal purely for depth. I could be wrong, since I was surprised that Pujols gut a ML deal last season. But, even at the league minimum salary, how much would teams expect to get from a 35 year old that’s a defensive liability that’s had only a 90 OPS+ over the last 3 seasons?

    Reply
    • LordD99

      1 month ago

      A team that wants a platoon OF/DH bat. His ability to hit lefties hard remains intact. Not sure if that team is out there with this exact need, but I suspect some team will sign him.

      Reply
      • tad2b13

        1 month ago

        Yeah, some team. But like I said, I doubt it will be a serious contender, or one with a full 40 man. Someone mentioned the Giants, but there’s isn’t a guy on their roster, that they would waive to clear a spot for Upton. I suspect that’s the case with most of the better teams.

        Reply
      • tad2b13

        1 month ago

        Plus, I looked at Upton’s splits over the last 3 years, and I’d be careful assuming he’ll continue to hit lefties hard. He did in 2021, but not so much the previous 2 years.

        2021 is a somewhat small sample, 89 ABs, That big .838 OPS was fueled by a .355 OBP. His OPS against lefties in 2019 and 2020 was .541 and .796. Since 2019, his BA against LHPs is .196, and his SLG is .438.

        It’s hard to imagine a contending team in that serious a need for a RH bat.

        Reply
  27. Cosmo2

    1 month ago

    Cue the, no one wants him now but we can somehow sign him and trade him at the deadline nonsense crew

    Reply
    • myaccount2

      1 month ago

      It’s not as if this exact scenario hasn’t happened before. Look at Eric Sogard.

      Reply
      • Cosmo2

        1 month ago

        That it’s supposedly happened before doesn’t make it a good bet. And as a Met fan, let me tell you, so many of these “toss a guy away for lotto prospects” trades, most of them, amount to zero. There’s little value here.

        Reply
  28. Unclenolanrules

    1 month ago

    Does this mean Ann-Margret’s not coming?

    Reply
  29. HawaiiPhil2020

    1 month ago

    does this mean I don’t get to do the duet?

    Reply
    • formerdraftpick

      1 month ago

      You can do a duece

      Reply
  30. Yankee Clipper

    1 month ago

    Upton is example #7,462 for why nobody will sign Judge until he’s 40. Not unless he goes to Nelson Cruz’ stero….err, I mean, nutritionist.

    Reply
    • LordD99

      1 month ago

      @Clip, just realized we posted the same Judge/Upton warning at the same time! It’s a valid warning.

      Reply
    • Ducky Buckin Fent

      1 month ago

      Doesn’t bother me when guys bet on themselves.
      Quite the opposite actually. I’ve done the same – on a lesser level obviously – & I’ve no regrets.

      What bothers me is that this is yet another example of Brian Cashman completely misreading the market. Been a lot of that lately. Remember when he made an offer to Verlander? Just think how differently we would be viewing our off-season had Cash landed him & then did the rest of his piddling around.

      Had that one single transaction been successful, we would all be saying Cash had a really good/excellent off-season (still would have needed another bat though; kicking dead horse yet again). Instead of whatever we are saying right now.

      Reply
  31. LordD99

    1 month ago

    Upton should serve as a cautionary tale for whichever team ends up signing Judge.

    Upton was the #1 pick in the nation. An impact hitter; major leaguer by 19; already an All-Star at 22, an age when Judge was still in college. Upton was a plus hitter for a decade. His last good year? 2018 when he was 30-years-old. That’s Judge’s age this season. Judge is a more dangerous hitter and better player than Upton was at a similar age, but Judge has a big swing, a big body, and one that’s been prone to a few soft-tissue injuries. Buyer beware. The Yankees offer was probably too generous in years. I’d go higher AAV for fewer years, which means Yankee fans should enjoy his 2022. I wouldn’t give what Judge seems to be asking.

    As for Upton, seems like a better version of 2021 Pujols. Younger and more productive against lefties. Can play the OF so he’s not just a pinch hitter/platoon DH. He’ll land somewhere as long as he accepts a limited role.

    Reply
    • Yankee Clipper

      1 month ago

      Very well said, & I especially agree abou the higher AAV, less years. Hopefully they go no more than 4 or 5 in the offseason. I just can’t stomach their no-spending excuse again… ugh.

      – How about Donaldson though, huh? I really like that acquisition, in and of itself. I’m a pro-Donaldson guy, especially for our team. He’s going to create some wins for the Yankees & create the tension needed to wake that team up, hopefully.

      Reply
      • LordD99

        1 month ago

        Make no mistake about it. I want Judge back, but there has to be reasonable guidelines. Let him test the market. If he’s serious about wanting to be a Yankee, then the two sides will find a way. If he wants a Trout deal, then we’ll have to move on.

        I was a fan of the Donaldson deal. I like Gio, but Donaldson is a better player, both offensively and defensively, and he brings some edge. I always hated playing against him, so I’m happy he’s on the Yankees side now. Just stay healthy and don’t age out!

        Reply
        • stymeedone

          1 month ago

          Judge will be Freeman 2.0. He will claim he wants to be a Yankee and then drag it out too long, leaving him to sign with any team that remains in the bidding, long after other teams have filled their needs. Maybe a Conforto 2.0?

    • SCarton12

      1 month ago

      One Upton comment he’s the most “hot and cold’ player I’ve ever seen. BLowe could give him a run though.

      Reply
  32. CrikesAlready

    1 month ago

    I think I’ve only seen one Padre reference. The man must be seriously damaged if the Padres are not even being thrown into the ring here.

    Reply
    • stymeedone

      1 month ago

      Platoon partner for Hosmer? Cuz they aren’t wasting enough money for below ave production at 1B!

      Reply
  33. Ed "The Mythical One"

    1 month ago

    DH-only with negative defensive value at any position, extremely low batting average, doesn’t walk, strikes out a ton, but his a HR once in awhile…..sounds like a Baltimore Orioles to me.

    Reply
    • Lefty_Orioles_Fan

      1 month ago

      I am all for it

      Reply
  34. orange2001

    1 month ago

    Might be a good fit with the Angels who need a LF.

    Reply
  35. Dorothy_Mantooth

    1 month ago

    The Red Sox were supposedly looking for a RHH OF this past season. Boston did sign both Danny Santana and Marwin Gonzalez last season too so I wouldn’t put it past Chaim to try and recruit him. He could definitely play LF in Fenway as it doesn’t require a ton of range. He could fill in for Bradley Jr. against tough LH pitchers too. Verdugo would slide to RF. The hardest part would be finding somebody to drop from their 40-man. They are already +1 on their 40-man with Sale on the 60-day IL, so I’m not sure who they’d be willing to DFA for a 34 year old ‘has been.’ Perhaps Chaim could trade a minor leaguer on the 40-man for someone who hasn’t reached his 40-man requirements yet?

    The other issue is that I’m not sure if Upton has any desire to play in Boston or on the east coast. He seems to like the west coast better so perhaps the Giants, Padres or even the Dodgers take a flier on him. The price is certainly worth the gamble for any team. If he doesn’t mind playing in the East, Boston makes a lot of sense for him. He’s still capable of hitting double digit HRs & 2B even in a part time capacity. He just can’t be an everyday player with his high strikeout / low walk numbers.

    Reply
    • LordD99

      1 month ago

      Gonzalez and Santana offered positional versatility. Neither worked out. Upton would offer a bat. It’s still productive against lefties. Not saying there isn’t a fit as this is a new year with different needs. Upton will need to accept he’s not an everyday player anymore, especially if he wants to be on a contender.

      Reply
    • mlbdodgerfan2015

      1 month ago

      Dodgers need a RH OF bat now that Pollock is gone. Hope his splits are favorable.

      Reply
  36. JerryBird

    1 month ago

    The Upton brothers certainly did milk the free agent market. Momma must be proud. They are the type of players who make the MLPA look bad. Tons of money with output at less than contract value. Owners must continue with the outrageous salaries or players will cry collusion, get paid even more and continue to take advantage of, and abuse the system. Lazy people still get overpaid. Not enough real professionals in MLB like Bryce Harper.

    Reply
    • Angels21

      1 month ago

      I think a more accurate statement is that aging veterans out of their prime get overpaid compared to productive players. Upton got injured a lot and those take their toll. Look at Pujols. Super hard working, just was older and would get injured more. Rendon was great in 2020, last year he got injured and didn’t look like his normal self. Now he’s healthy and looks great. Upton had some really good hot streaks and some extremely cold streaks. I don’t think his hot streaks happened out of nowhere, you really have to work for those
      I think everyone would be happier with a performance-based salary.

      Reply
  37. uvmfiji

    1 month ago

    Justin left baseball years ago. It’s really BJ in an Angels uni

    Reply
    • Brew88

      1 month ago

      Leave Kate and The Monarch out of this

      Reply
  38. braves25

    1 month ago

    I wouldn’t mind him back in Atlanta for a month or so. Okay him in RF, Rosario in LF, and left Ozuna DH. I mean he is better then Dickerson and it’s only until Acuna gets healthy.

    Reply
  39. formerdraftpick

    1 month ago

    Upton Gurl

    Reply
  40. debubba

    1 month ago

    This is what is wrong with the MLB. Don’t get me wrong, I love the game but you have teams like the guardians and the Pirate who couldn’t do this. Rich teams can make mistakes and cut 50 million in two years to make room for other players. They can make mistakes. Smaller markets would be hamstrung by contract like this. Something has got to give.

    Reply
  41. egrossen

    1 month ago

    Maybe the Orioles add him as their 2nd “splash” in addition to Matt Harvey.
    Kidding aside, Upton might be a worthwhile risk for a rebuilding team. He actually had a very nice spring (.333 AVG, 3 HR, 11 RBI, .474 OBP)

    Reply
  42. dclivejazz

    1 month ago

    Come to Paoa—Nats fan.

    Rizzo has always liked him.

    Reply
  43. Edp007

    1 month ago

    Every time I see an Angel transaction , first thing comes to my mind , how did they ever get Trout to sign that extension. Second thing is did no one else offer shohei 2way opportunity?

    Reply
  44. Mrsuntan

    1 month ago

    Rays were looking for a RH DH. Good chance to win a ring

    Reply
  45. davemlaw

    1 month ago

    If Upton doesn’t sign with a team soon it shows he’s not interested in playing any longer. It’s a shame too, he’s still young and could be productive if he wanted to be.

    Reply
    • Cosmo2

      1 month ago

      So are you saying that it’s possible he DOESN’T want to be productive? Ummm….

      Reply
    • Angels21

      1 month ago

      He’ll sign. He’s had moments of really good productivity and had an excellent spring. Injuries make it harder to keep those hot streaks going year-round.

      Reply
  46. tad2b13

    1 month ago

    I could be wrong, once again. I was about Pujols. But I just can’t see anyone signing Upton for anything more than minor league depth. And in that situation, without an injury, it’s possible Upton doesn’t see an AB this season in a major league game.

    Reply
  47. usafcop

    1 month ago

    Giants will sign him and he will be an all-star again.

    Sarcasm at its finest.

    Reply

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