Written by Derek Harvey at The Comeback
Last night, the Detroit Tigers gave six years and over $130 million to Justin Upton. In doing so, they not only brought their payroll up to a laughable (but still not Dodger-esque) number, they also scooped up one of two remaining top quality outfielders. Contrary to what one might think, being the last guy on the market isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, as there aren’t any other options, Yoenis Cespedes has regained any leverage he might have lost when others signed. Do you want a slugging corner outfielder, but don’t want to trade for one? Well then now you have no option but to sign Yoenis Cespedes. So let’s take a look a few of the teams that are fits.
Angels
Arte Moreno keeps stating the luxury tax as a deterrent to the Angels signing a big contract. But the Angels have to do something if they want to compete in the AL West. The Astros are the team to beat. The Rangers won the division last year, have improved by acquiring Cole Hamels at last year’s deadline, and Yu Darvish will return at some point in 2016 as well. Even the Mariners have improved to some degree. The Angels have acquired Andrelton Simmons and…nothing else. Sorry, but Daniel Nava isn’t cutting it in left.
Orioles
The Orioles are kind of in the same situation as the Angels, except they haven’t really done anything at all to improve. Instead, they paid a boatload of money to retain the services of Darren O’Day, Matt Wieters (though not really by choice here), and Chris Davis. As such, they might actually not have enough money to spend. However their corner outfielders are even worse than the Angels’. Nolan Reimold and Ryan Flaherty combined for a 0.5 fWAR last year. Neither has ever been counted on to play a full time position. It would be kind of insane for them to spend as much as they have but not upgrade either corner spot – and that’s assuming that noted lead glove Mark Trumbo will be serving as the team’s DH and not an outfielder.
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