Written by Joe Trezza at MLB.com
The Angels and Tigers completed a blockbuster deal prior to Thursday’s waiver trade deadline, with Detroit sending All-Star slugger Justin Upton and cash to Los Angeles for a Minor Leaguer pitcher and player to be named or cash.
The Tigers receive right-hander Grayson Long, who was ranked No. 9 among the Angels’ top prospects by MLBPipeline.com.
To make room for Upton in their outfield alongside Mike Trout and Kole Calhoun, the Angels let Cameron Maybin go the Astros on waivers.
Upton is owed $22.125 million each year through 2021, but has an opt-out clause that can only be exercised after this season. Trade talks picked up after Upton informed the Tigers he would likely opt out due to Detroit’s rebuild, MLB.com’s Jon Paul Morosi reported.
Upton, 30, is hitting .279/.362/.542 with 28 homers. His .904 OPS represents a career high and he is on pace to surpass his career high of 31 homers, set last year and in 2011.
Upton can still end up being the top outfielder on the free-agent market this offseason, with Arizona’s J.D. Martinez and Cleveland’s Jay Bruce the next biggest names. But for now, Upton can help the Angels, who entered play Thursday one game back of the second American League Wild Card spot.
Teams have until midnight ET tonight to trade for a player and have him be eligible for the postseason. Any player acquired after Aug. 31 is not eligible to play in the postseason.
Upton’s contract also includes a limited no-trade clause that allows him to block a deal to 20 clubs. The Angels were not among teams on Upton’s no-trade list, and he has not given his new team assurance regarding his opt-out clause, Morosi reported.
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