In the thick of a crowded American League Wild Card race, the Los Angeles Angels are getting aggressive. They are reportedly close to acquiring Justin Upton from the Detroit Tigers.
Sources: #Angels close to acquiring Justin Upton from #Tigers.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 31, 2017
Jerry Crasnick of ESPN added that the medical issues are the only things that have to be finalized.
Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported that Grayson Long, cash, and a player to be named later will be going to Detroit in the deal.
As Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times noted, Upton will be a major offensive upgrade for the Angels in left field.
Justin Upton this season: 28 HR. #Angels LF since start of 2015 season: 27 HR. https://t.co/9nt6psdx1Y
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) August 31, 2017
Upton is having one of the best seasons of his career. In addition to those 28 home runs, he has 94 RBI and is slashing at .279/.362/.542. This trade certainly signals an all-in approach for the Angels, as Upton has a player option at the end of the season. Upton’s opt-out was reportedly not discussed in the deal.
Los Angeles enters play on Thursday only one back of the Minnesota Twins for the second Wild Card spot and two behind the New York Yankees for the first.