Reports: Tigers Agree To $132 Million Deal With Justin Upton
DETROIT (CBS Detroit) - The Detroit Tigers have closed a six-year, $132.75 million deal with free agent outfielder Justin Upton, according to multiple reports Monday night.
A source tells Bob Nightengale of USA Today the deal includes an opt-out after the second year. The Tigers did not immediately confirm the signing.
CBS Sports reports Upton, our No. 6 free agent coming into the offseason, will step into left field for the Tigers. Detroit currently has J.D. Martinez in right field and an Anthony Gose/Cameron Maybin platoon in center field.
Justin Upton becomes third-highest paid free-agent position player this year behind Jason Heyward and Chris Davis, earning $22.125 per year
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 19, 2016
Upton, 28, will be the third highest-paid free-agent position player this winter behind only Jason Heyward, according to Nightengale. The signing comes as a surprise to many as the club had indicated it no longer had financial flexibility to acquire another premier free agent.
A three-time All-Star, Upton played with the San Diego Padres last season, batting .251 with 26 home runs and 81 RBIs.