B.J. Upton is Atlanta-bound, but just how close was he to being Boston-bound?
Apparently, not close at all. According to WEEI.com, the Red Sox never really engaged in the Upton sweepstakes, and they never even made an offer.
Upton reportedly inked a five-year deal with the Braves on Wednesday worth more than $75 million. He’s now expected to replace Michael Bourn as Atlanta’s center fielder, and will give the Braves a powerful bat, speed and above-average defense.
It’s unclear what the Red Sox’ future center field situation looks like, as Jacoby Ellsbury is slated to become a free agent after this season. Perhaps the club will re-sign him after seeing whether or not he can return to his All-Star form in 2013, or maybe they’re content with what they could eventually have in Jackie Bradley Jr. Either way, the club obviously didn’t feel it was necessary to kick the tires on Upton.
Upton batted .246 and blasted 28 home runs while racking up 78 RBIs for the Rays in 2012.
