SPORTS

Justin Upton, Tigers agree on 6-year, $132.75M deal

Chris McCosky
The Detroit News
Tigers have reportedly agreed to terms with free-agent outfielder Justin Upton.

Detroit — The Tigers agreed to terms with one of the biggest names left on the free-agent market, outfielder Justin Upton, on Monday night.

The deal, pending Upton's passing of a physical, is for six years and $132.75 million, Tigers officials confirmed. Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports and MLB Network first reported the deal.

The contract includes an opt-out after the second year. Upton is expected to have his physical on Thursday.

Since the Winter Meetings, general manager Al Avila has maintained the Tigers weren’t likely to add another expensive contract. The Upton deal, averaging $22.12 million per year, will almost assuredly put the team over the luxury tax threshold.

How Tigers batting order shapes up with Upton

But owner Mike Ilitch has a history of stepping in late and acquiring another piece, regardless of the cost. He signed Prince Fielder for $214 million in 2012, and before that worked February deals with Magglio Ordonez, Pudge Rodriguez and Johnny Damon.

Presently, the Tigers have spent $272.25 million in free agency this offseason, second only to the Cubs. In all, they've landed two starting pitchers (Jordan Zimmermann and Mike Pelfrey), rebuilt the back end of the bullpen (Justin Wilson, Mark Lowe and Francisco Rodriguez), added outfielders Cameron Maybin and Mike Aviles and back-up catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia.

Then Ilitch gave the green light to pursue Upton. According to USA Today, Avila and manager Brad Ausmus visited Upton at his home in Phoenix last Friday.

Upton, 28, and a three-time All-Star, will essentially replace Yoenis Cespedes, who was traded in July, as the team’s starting left fielder and places him in the heart of the order with Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez and J.D. Martinez.

A streaky hitter, he posted a .251 average with 26 home runs and 81 RBIs with the Padres last season. He has hit at least 26 home runs in four of the last five seasons.

Because the Padres gave Upton a qualifying offer, the deal will cost the Tigers their third draft pick this year. They lost their second pick by signing Zimmerman and their first pick, ninth overall, is protected.

Henning: Upton is just what Tigers lineup needs

In his nine seasons, all in the National League, Upton has amassed 190 home runs and 616 RBIs. He has a .271 career batting average with and .352 on-base and .825 OPS. The right-handed hitter has done most of power damage against right-handed pitching — 130 homers and 459 RBIs.

Prior to Upton, the Tigers had planned to platoon Anthony Gose and Tyler Collins in left field, with Gose and Maybin playing in center. Now, Gose and Maybin will share center and Collins, a left-handed hitter, will probably have to battle Aviles for a roster spot.

chris.mccosky@detroitnews.com

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