Tigers Sign Free Agent Outfielder Upton

Reports say the Detroit Tigers have agreed to a $132.75 million, six-year contract with free-agent outfielder Justin Upton.  There’s no official announcement yet, but the 28-year-old Upton gives the Tigers another powerful bat in the middle of the lineup that already has Miguel Cabrera, and Victor and J.D. Martinez.   The signing fills a need in the outfield after Detroit traded slugger Yoenis Cespedes at the deadline last year.   The Tigers could have re-signed Cespedes, but chose Upton instead.  Sources say Upton may opt out of the 6-year deal after two seasons.   He hit .251 with 26 home runs and 81 RBIs for the San Diego Padres last season, where he was paired with his brother, Melvin Upton Jr., formerly known as B.J. Upton.  Justin Upton has also played for Arizona and Atlanta.

After signing free-agent right-hander Jordan Zimmermann earlier this offseason, the Upton deal will likely put the Tigers over the salary cap.