The Detroit Tigers just bolstered their mediocre offense in a big way.
The Tigers and free agent outfielder Justin Upton reportedly agreed to a six-year, $132.75 million contract Monday.
The 28-year-old likely will slot into left field for the Tigers, who suddenly have an extremely right-handed lineup. Only designated hitter Victor Martinez, a switch-hitter, can bat from the left side among regular starters.
Upton had just a .251 batting average for the San Diego Padres last season, but he hit 26 home runs and drove in 81 runs. Detroit’s offense finished 15th in baseball with 689 runs scored, but it was nearly stagnant after sending outfielder Yoenis Cespedes to the New York Mets at the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.
The team scored just 234 runs over its final 60 games, an average of only 3.9 runs per game.
Thumbnail photo via Jake Roth/USA TODAY Sports Images
