MLB Rumors: Justin Upton May Direct Career Path With Boston Red Sox

KEY POINTS

The Boston Red Sox could go for Justin Upton
Paying him $28 million may be too much for the Red Sox
Upton is on an expiring deal after this MLB season

The Boston Red Sox are expected to change it up in the outfield, and any potential moves may only happen at the MLB trade deadline.

It remains to be seen what the Red Sox will do to shore up its outfield although it would be best to weigh in on players who could be ready to move by then.

One name that comes to mind is Justin Upton of the Los Angeles Angels.

In an update from Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the four-time All-Star has been designated for assignment.

It would also be best to note that the 34-year-old is owed $28 million in the final year of his contract.

Considering any MLB team may be taken aback inheriting his lucrative deal, the chances of acquiring Upton do not look promising.

Furthermore, the fact that the three-time Silver Slugger Award winner is set to hit free agency means there is no assurance he will remain with the team where he could end up.

Performance-wise, Upton has not exactly been his old self as injuries have taken their toll on him.

Upton has not produced an OPS+ above league-average since 2018, and he’s appeared in fewer than 90 games in each of the last three years.

He hit a meager .211/.296/.409 in 318 at-bats last season.

With the enumerated facts, it may make no sense for the Red Sox to enlist Upton. But then again, this all boils down to how he could blend in with Boston’s other players.

Upton has proven he can still mash against lefties, producing a .355 OBP and .483 SLG against southpaws last season.

Hence, he could be a good alternative to Jackie Bradley Jr., someone who the Red Sox may purposely sit especially against southpaws.

Aside from potentially covering a spot in the outfield, another question is Upton’s defensive prowess.

In the last three years, he has compiled -28 defensive runs saved.

If he ends up being a liability on defense, manager Alex Cora may be better off sticking to J.D. Martinez in the outfield instead of using Upton as a DH.

Although his game appears to be fading, the best to expect is to see him coming off the bench to help.

With no assurance of him staying and a hefty price tag, it may be a big risk for the Red Sox or any other MLB team for that matter.