Biographical

Portrait of Justin Upton

Justin Upton LFAngels

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2019 Projections (Preseason PECOTA - seasonal age 31)
PA AVG HR R RBI SB DRC+ WARP
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Birth Date8-25-1987
Height6' 1"
Weight215 lbs
Age36 years, 7 months, 30 days
BatsR
ThrowsR
2.72015
1.62016
4.92017
4.42018
2.12019
proj
WARP Summary

MLB Statistics

YEAR TEAM AGE G PA H 2B 3B HR BB SO HBP SB CS AVG OBP SLG DRC+ DRAA BRR FRAA BWARP
2007 ARI 19 43 152 31 8 3 2 11 37 1 2 0 .221 .283 .364 65 -6.2 -1.1 -3.5 -0.8
2008 ARI 20 108 417 89 19 6 15 54 121 4 1 4 .250 .353 .463 97 -0.4 0.9 -8.0 0.0
2009 ARI 21 138 588 158 30 7 26 55 137 2 20 5 .300 .366 .532 121 17.0 -0.7 13.5 4.1
2010 ARI 22 133 571 135 27 3 17 64 152 4 18 8 .273 .356 .442 103 3.0 -0.8 -3.1 0.9
2011 ARI 23 159 674 171 39 5 31 59 126 19 21 9 .289 .369 .529 136 28.6 2.3 1.2 4.6
2012 ARI 24 150 628 155 24 4 17 63 121 5 18 8 .280 .355 .430 108 6.3 0.5 10.0 2.9
2013 ATL 25 149 643 147 27 2 27 75 161 5 8 1 .263 .354 .464 123 17.4 2.9 -3.1 3.2
2014 ATL 26 154 641 153 34 2 29 60 171 6 8 4 .270 .342 .491 127 18.5 0.4 -6.3 2.8
2015 SDN 27 150 620 136 26 3 26 68 159 4 19 5 .251 .336 .454 118 15.2 3.8 -6.6 2.7
2016 DET 28 153 626 140 28 2 31 50 179 4 9 4 .246 .310 .465 104 4.7 2.4 -5.4 1.6
2017 ANA 29 27 115 24 7 0 7 17 33 0 4 0 .245 .357 .531 131 4.8 1.1 -2.6 0.6
2017 DET 29 125 520 128 37 0 28 57 147 3 10 5 .279 .362 .542 129 20.2 -0.6 11.8 4.3
2018 ANA 30 145 613 137 18 1 30 64 176 10 8 2 .257 .344 .463 117 14.4 -1.6 17.0 4.4
2019 ANA 31 63 256 47 8 0 12 32 78 0 1 1 .215 .309 .416 91 -1.8 0.5 -3.1 0.1
Career1697706416513323829872917986714756.266.347.476116141.79.911.831.5

Statistics for All Levels

'opp' stats - Quality of opponents faced - have been moved and are available only as OPP_QUAL in the Statistics reports now.
Minor league stats are currently shownClick to hide.
YEAR Team Lg LG G PA oppAVG oppOBP oppSLG BABIP BPF BRAA repLVL POS_ADJ DRC+ DRC+ SD FRAA BRR DRAA BWARP
2006 SBN A MDW 113 501 .000 .000 .000 .312 0.0 0 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
2007 ARI MLB NL 43 152 .265 .327 .414 .287 102 -7.9 4.5 -1.6 65 13 -3.5 -1.1 -6.2 -0.8
2007 VIS A+ CLF 32 150 .269 .349 .416 .409 103 16.1 4.6 0 166 0 -0.5 -0.2 11.8 1.5
2007 MOB AA SOU 71 306 .264 .339 .399 .344 97 21.9 8.9 0 154 0 -2.5 2.2 18.1 2.7
2008 ARI MLB NL 108 417 .262 .331 .415 .332 100 7.7 12.0 -4.4 97 9 -8.0 0.9 -0.4 0.0
2008 TUC AAA PCL 15 68 .271 .344 .442 .438 129 -0.2 2.1 -0.8 72 0 -3.2 0.4 -2.9 -0.4
2009 ARI MLB NL 138 588 .257 .326 .405 .360 100 26.7 16.9 -6.3 121 12 13.5 -0.7 17.0 4.1
2009 VIS A+ CLF 2 9 .292 .351 .420 .250 92 0.9 0.3 -0.1 66 0 -0.3 0.1 -0.3 0.0
2010 ARI MLB NL 133 571 .251 .320 .390 .354 95 13.4 15.7 -5.9 103 8 -3.1 -0.8 3.0 0.9
2011 ARI MLB NL 159 674 .250 .315 .387 .319 99 37.5 18.2 -6.7 136 11 1.2 2.3 28.6 4.6
2012 ARI MLB NL 150 628 .256 .319 .404 .327 103 11.3 17.2 -6.4 108 7 10.0 0.5 6.3 2.9
2013 ATL MLB NL 149 643 .252 .316 .394 .321 99 21.2 16.9 -4.9 123 10 -3.1 2.9 17.4 3.2
2014 ATL MLB NL 154 641 .247 .308 .379 .332 96 30.1 16.5 -4 127 7 -6.3 0.4 18.5 2.8
2015 SDN MLB NL 150 620 .255 .315 .408 .304 94 23.7 16.7 -4 118 10 -6.6 3.8 15.2 2.7
2016 DET MLB AL 153 626 .256 .321 .420 .301 108 0 17.7 -4 104 9 -5.4 2.4 4.7 1.6
2017 ANA MLB AL 27 115 .248 .315 .416 .293 103 4.1 3.4 -0.8 131 8 -2.6 1.1 4.8 0.6
2017 DET MLB AL 125 520 .250 .320 .418 .351 109 21.1 15.2 -3.6 129 8 11.8 -0.6 20.2 4.3
2018 ANA MLB AL 145 613 .251 .315 .417 .321 99 21.3 17.2 -4.3 117 6 17.0 -1.6 14.4 4.4
2019 ANA MLB AL 63 256 .255 .324 .438 .261 100 -0.8 7.7 -2.1 91 8 -3.1 0.5 -1.8 0.1
2019 INL A+ CAL 6 25 .278 .365 .429 .357 115 2.7 0.7 -0.2 149 0 -0.4 -0.1 1.1 0.1

Statistics For All Levels

Minor league stats are currently shownClick to hide.
Year Team lvl LG PA AB R H 2B 3B HR TB RBI BB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG ISO SF SH
2006 SBN A MDW 501 438 71 115 28 1 12 181 66 52 96 15 7 .263 .347 .413 .151 0 0
2007 ARI MLB NL 152 140 17 31 8 3 2 51 11 11 37 2 0 .221 .283 .364 .143 0 0
2007 MOB AA SOU 306 259 48 80 17 4 13 144 53 37 51 10 7 .309 .405 .556 .247 0 0
2007 VIS A+ CLF 150 126 27 43 6 2 5 68 17 19 28 9 4 .341 .439 .540 .198 0 0
2008 ARI MLB NL 417 356 52 89 19 6 15 165 42 54 121 1 4 .250 .353 .463 .213 3 0
2008 TUC AAA PCL 68 61 13 17 3 1 3 31 10 7 26 2 0 .279 .353 .508 .230 0 0
2009 VIS A+ CLF 9 8 1 2 0 0 1 5 6 1 3 1 0 .250 .333 .625 .375 0 0
2009 ARI MLB NL 588 526 84 158 30 7 26 280 86 55 137 20 5 .300 .366 .532 .232 4 1
2010 ARI MLB NL 571 495 73 135 27 3 17 219 69 64 152 18 8 .273 .356 .442 .170 7 1
2011 ARI MLB NL 674 592 105 171 39 5 31 313 88 59 126 21 9 .289 .369 .529 .240 4 0
2012 ARI MLB NL 628 554 107 155 24 4 17 238 67 63 121 18 8 .280 .355 .430 .150 6 0
2013 ATL MLB NL 643 558 94 147 27 2 27 259 70 75 161 8 1 .263 .354 .464 .201 4 1
2014 ATL MLB NL 641 566 77 153 34 2 29 278 102 60 171 8 4 .270 .342 .491 .221 8
2015 SDN MLB NL 620 542 85 136 26 3 26 246 81 68 159 19 5 .251 .336 .454 .203 5 0
2016 DET MLB AL 626 570 81 140 28 2 31 265 87 50 179 9 4 .246 .310 .465 .219 2 0
2017 ANA MLB AL 115 98 19 24 7 0 7 52 15 17 33 4 0 .245 .357 .531 .286 0 0
2017 DET MLB AL 520 459 81 128 37 0 28 249 94 57 147 10 5 .279 .362 .542 .264 1 0
2018 ANA MLB AL 613 533 80 137 18 1 30 247 85 64 176 8 2 .257 .344 .463 .206 6 0
2019 INL A+ CAL 25 21 7 7 1 0 2 14 6 4 5 0 0 .333 .440 .667 .333 0 0
2019 ANA MLB AL 256 219 34 47 8 0 12 91 40 32 78 1 1 .215 .309 .416 .201 5 0

Plate Discipline

YEAR Pits Zone% Swing% Contact% Z-Swing% O-Swing% Z-Contact% O-Contact% SwStr% CSAA
2008 1636 0.4829 0.4370 0.6601 0.6430 0.2447 0.7343 0.4783 0.3399 0.0069
2009 2372 0.4798 0.4486 0.7143 0.6652 0.2488 0.7900 0.5277 0.2857 0.0028
2010 2365 0.4896 0.4093 0.7231 0.5950 0.2312 0.8215 0.4803 0.2769 0.0002
2011 2515 0.4887 0.4708 0.7297 0.6729 0.2776 0.8428 0.4678 0.2703 -0.0003
2012 2360 0.4945 0.4419 0.7536 0.6401 0.2481 0.8474 0.5169 0.2464 -0.0016
2013 2608 0.4973 0.4371 0.6947 0.6222 0.2540 0.7472 0.5676 0.3053 -0.0014
2014 2563 0.4904 0.4834 0.7046 0.6698 0.3040 0.7613 0.5844 0.2954 -0.0004
2015 2499 0.4878 0.4450 0.6808 0.6596 0.2406 0.7637 0.4643 0.3192 -0.0053
2016 2599 0.4937 0.4406 0.6926 0.6477 0.2386 0.7557 0.5255 0.3074 0.0000
2017 2681 0.4834 0.4442 0.6952 0.6312 0.2693 0.7738 0.5228 0.3048 0.0000
2018 2524 0.4937 0.4259 0.6856 0.6124 0.2441 0.7562 0.5128 0.3144 0.0000
2019 1127 0.4729 0.4312 0.6749 0.6285 0.2542 0.7851 0.4305 0.3251 0.0000
Career278490.48880.44390.70280.64120.25530.78200.51180.2972-0.0001

Injury History  —  No longer being updated

Last Update: 12/31/2014 23:59 ET

Date On Date Off Transaction Days Games Side Body Part Injury Severity Surgery Date Reaggravation
2014-09-03 2014-09-05 DTD 2 1 Left Arm Contusion Triceps -
2014-09-02 - Minors - - - Fingers Fracture -
2014-08-15 2014-08-15 DTD 0 0 Left Thigh Strain Hamstring -
2014-07-21 2014-07-21 DTD 0 0 - Arm Contusion Triceps HBP -
2014-06-18 2014-06-19 DTD 1 1 - General Medical Dizziness Inner Ear -
2014-06-11 2014-06-11 DTD 0 0 Left Thigh Strain Hamstring -
2014-05-11 2014-05-12 DTD 1 1 - Low Back Contusion HBP - -
2014-02-26 2014-03-02 Camp 4 0 Right Trunk Soreness Ribcage - -
2013-09-11 2013-09-11 DTD 0 0 Left Knee Contusion Foul Ball - -
2013-08-30 2013-08-31 DTD 1 1 Left Hand Contusion HBP - -
2013-08-20 2013-08-22 DTD 2 2 - Upper Back Strain - -
2013-08-12 2013-08-12 DTD 0 0 Left Thigh Cramp Hamstring - -
2013-07-13 2013-07-19 DTD 6 2 Left Lower Leg Strain Calf - -
2013-06-22 2013-06-25 DTD 3 2 Right Hand Soreness - -
2012-08-22 2012-08-25 DTD 3 3 Left Thigh Tightness Hamstring - -
2012-07-29 2012-07-30 DTD 1 1 Left Ankle Contusion Foul Ball - -
2012-06-21 2012-06-22 DTD 1 0 - Lower Leg Cramp - -
2012-04-19 2012-04-21 DTD 2 2 - Thumb Soreness - -
2012-04-09 2012-04-10 DTD 1 0 Left Thumb Sprain IP Joint - -
2011-09-27 2011-09-27 DTD 0 0 - Face Contusion Batted Ball - -
2011-09-08 2011-09-08 DTD 0 0 - General Medical Illness - -
2011-08-23 2011-08-23 DTD 0 0 Left Elbow Contusion HBP - -
2011-03-21 2011-03-23 Camp 2 0 - Knee Soreness -
2011-03-18 2011-03-18 Camp 0 0 - Back Contusion Pick Off Throw -
2010-09-18 2010-10-02 DTD 14 12 Left Shoulder Cartilage Injury Labrum Tear -
2010-09-15 2010-09-17 DTD 2 2 Left Shoulder Soreness -
2010-09-12 2010-09-13 DTD 1 1 Left Shoulder Soreness -
2010-08-31 2010-09-11 DTD 11 9 Left Shoulder Strain -
2010-07-28 2010-07-29 DTD 1 1 Right Hip Tightness -
2010-03-25 2010-03-26 Camp 1 0 Left Ankle Sprain -
2009-09-03 2009-09-04 DTD 1 1 Face Soreness Contact Lens Problem -
2009-08-06 2009-08-26 15-DL 20 18 Right Abdomen Strain Oblique -
2009-06-07 2009-06-09 DTD 2 2 Left Shoulder Soreness -
2008-09-02 2008-09-06 DTD 4 3 Head Concussion HBP -
2008-07-09 2008-08-29 15-DL 51 43 Left Abdomen Strain Oblique -
2008-06-01 2008-06-02 DTD 1 1 General Medical Respiratory Flu -
2008-04-27 2008-04-28 DTD 1 1 Left Thigh Spasms Hamstring -
2008-04-03 2008-04-27 Minors 24 0 Right Shoulder Inflammation - -
2007-10-01 2007-10-04 DTD 3 0 Left Wrist Contusion HBP -
2006-04-06 2006-04-20 Minors 14 0 Right Shoulder Strain - -

Compensation

Year Team Salary
2022 ANA $28,000,000
2021 ANA $23,000,000
2020 ANA $22,700,000
2019 ANA $18,000,000
2018 ANA $16,000,000
2017 DET $22,125,000
2016 DET $22,125,000
2015 SDN $14,708,333
2014 ATL $14,458,333
2013 ATL $9,958,333
2012 ARI $6,958,333
2011 ARI $4,458,333
2010 ARI $708,333
2009 ARI $412,000
2008 ARI $393,000
YearsDescriptionSalary
15 yrPrevious$204,004,998
15 yrTotal$204,004,998

 

Service TimeAgentContract Status
14 y 60 dReynolds Sports5 years/$106M (2018-22)

Details
  • 5 years/$106M (2018-22). Signed extension with LA Angels 11/2/17, replacing final four years of previous contract. 18:$16M, 19:$18M, 20:$21M, 21:$23M, 22:$28M. Full no-trade protection. DFA by LA Angels 4/2/22. Released 4/8/22. Signed by Seattle as a free agent 5/21/22. Mariners to pay a pro-rated portion of minimum salary, $526,923, with Angels responsible for balance of 2022 salary, $27,473,077. Optioned to Triple-A by Seattle 7/22/22 (refused assignment, elected free agency).
  • 6 years/$132.75M (2016-21). Signed by Detroit as a free agent 1/19/16. 16-21: $22.125M annually. Upton may opt out of contract after 2017 season. Limited no-trade protection: may block deals to 20 clubs. Acquired by LA Angels in trade from Detroit 8/31/17 with $92,247,951 remaining on contract. Tigers pay Angels $747,951 to cover portion of Upton's 2017 salary.
  • 6 years/$51.25M (2010-15). Signed extension with Arizona 3/3/10. $1.25M signing bonus. 10:$500,000, 11:$4.25M, 12:$6.75M, 13:$9.75M, 14:$14.25M, 15:$14.5M. Limited no-trade protection allowing Upton to block deals to four clubs. Original no-trade list: Cleveland, Detroit, Kansas City, Oakland. Teams on no-trade list for 2012-13 off-season: Boston, Chicago Cubs, Seattle and Toronto. Acquired by Atlanta in trade from Arizona 1/24/13. Teams on no-trade list for 2014-15 off-season: Chicago Cubs, Cleveland, Milwaukee, Toronto. Acquired by San Diego in trade from Atlanta 12/19/14.
  • 1 year/$412,000 (2009). Re-signed 3/3/09.
  • 1 year/$393,000 (2008). Re-signed 3/9/08.
  • 1 year (2007). Contract purchased by Arizona 8/2/07.
  • Drafted 2005 (1-1) (Great Bridge HS, Chesapeake, Va.). Signed 1/06, $6.1M signing bonus paid over 5 years: $400,000 paid 1/06, $400,000 paid after 2006, 07:$1M, 08:$1M, 09:$1.3M, 10:$2M.

2019 Preseason Forecast

Last Update: 1/27/2017 12:35 ET

PCT PA R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG DRC+ VORP FRAA WARP
90o 53 13 3 0 2 7 14 1 0 .283 .389 .478 138 0.0 0.0
80o 35 9 2 0 2 4 10 1 0 .300 .382 .567 130 0.0 0.0
70o 22 5 1 0 1 3 6 0 0 .263 .364 .474 125 0.0 0.0
60o 11 2 1 0 0 1 3 0 0 .200 .273 .300 121 0.0 0.0
50o 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000 117 0.0 0.0
Weighted Mean400000100.000.000.0001180.00.0

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BP Annual Player Comments

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BP Articles

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BP Chats

DateQuestionAnswer
2019-11-18 13:00:00 (link to chat)Jo Adell is great and all but this Angels farm system still seems depleted and disappointing, like everything Craig has ever done. Anyway, Jo Adell reminds me of prime Matt Kemp, is that a reasonable comp?
(Yuri from Israel)
I think the shape will be a little different, better glove, more game pop, maybe more .270-.280 than .300+. I've used Justin Upton before, although Kemp is a better physical comp for Adell (who somehow keeps finding good weight to add). Kemp also had a weird peak among all-star level players, with the MVP season following a disaster year, and uneven seasons around them. (Los Angeles Angels Top 10 Chat)
2019-10-02 13:00:00 (link to chat)Who are some standout bounce-back candidates for 2020? Guys who you like long-term but whose value dropped due to injury or performance in 2019.
(Scott from Mass.)
I continue to like Haniger's tools, Gregory Polanco probably has people worried a bit right now, Justin Upton, perhaps? I think Cease, who I just mentioned is a good one too. Guys who struggle in initial exposure always lose some sheen. (Craig Goldstein)
2019-07-31 12:00:00 (link to chat)What team could use Kole Calhoun? With Trout manning CF, Justin Upton solidly in LF, and Jo Adell loudly knocking on the door, Calhoun's 2020 option is reasonable, but not on the Angels. Why do we hear buzz about Castellanos, but not Calhoun?
(Dylan from RI)
Easy answer used to be Cleveland but they just picked up two outfielders. Braves could maybe use him since they're playing a (hot, admittedly) Duvall right now? I think the Angels unload him in the offseason. (Craig Goldstein)
2019-05-17 16:00:00 (link to chat)Is Justin Upton close to returning? That must be some toe injury.
(Buddy from Peoria, IL)
He "resumed baseball activities" two days ago. He hasn't run though so until he does, he has no timetable. (Mike Gianella)
2018-09-12 13:00:00 (link to chat)Fangraphs says Jo Adell is Justin Upton. Do you agree? Disappointed?
(Felix from Capracorn)
I love Jo Adell. Upton has been super good, so that wouldn't disappoint me in the slightest. (Mark Barry)
2018-07-30 23:00:00 (link to chat)Who's the last HS batter to make AA the year after his draft? Unrelated question: how good is Jo Adell?
(jgaztambide from Jo Adell's basement)
It's really uncommon! Justin Upton did it, he's the most recent one that comes to mind...uh...Eric Chavez...Ken Griffey Jr. dominated San Bernardino just like Adell and forced a AA promotion in his first full season after the draft in 88 too, if you wanna get old skool for a parallel post-draft trajectory. Technically Bryce Harper got drafted out of a JuCo, but by age he probably warrants a nod given particular circumstances? Um...uh...Royce Lewis could theoretically pull it off if he keeps raking and forces the issue next month. I'm sure there are some others, but bottom line is that it's a super rare feat of strength and a testament to the fact that Jo Adell is really, really good: https://twitter.com/vocaljavelins/status/1022322974379073541 (Wilson Karaman)
2017-11-17 13:00:00 (link to chat)Is Acuna a trancendantly good type of prospect opposed to very good? Debating about trying to do acquire two top specs in exchange for him (Dynasty), and would be awesome to get a read on ... how Awesome Acuna is?
(Pickle Rick from Texas)
I mean, he's the first 8 I've given out, although maybe not the last this year. Now he isn't a *generational* prospect, and he might just be, say, Justin Upton ("just"). So plan accordingly. (Jeffrey Paternostro)
2016-12-01 19:00:00 (link to chat)Do you have any biggest bounce-back candidate or buy-low suggestions for us? Thanks for taking the time to chat with us.
(Jay M. from Allegan County, MI)
Chris Archer seems obvious, although given the 200+ strikeouts it's not like he did nothing last year. I like Justin Upton as a buy low and on the pitching side I think Adam Wainwright has one more halfway decent season in him before he retires. (Mike Gianella)
2016-09-26 20:00:00 (link to chat)12 team keeper league, where we roster all 8 defensive positions, 2 utility, and 8 SPs. There aren't any weird contracts or scoring rules either. I need 10 keepers. My locks are Rizzo, Stanton, JD Martinez, Todd Frazier, Darvish, Scherzer, & Sale. I'm left to pick 3 of Lucroy, Jose Abreu, Byron Buxton, Stroman, Justin Upton, Dahl, Michael Brantley & Alex Reyes. Not easy to pick 3 out of that, huh? Take a shot! Thanks again!
(BPchatsChangedMyLife from Niagara, ON)
I'd try to package 3-5 of those extra guys for 1 no-doubt keeper, then try to do it again with the rest of that pack of extra guys. There's gotta be some teams in your league who have a stuff or two but only 5-7 legitimate keepers that might be willing to trade one big name player for depth, right? Try to do something with the value locked in those keepable players rather than just let that value evaporate when you submit your freeze list and send several of them back into the free agent poo; And be agnostic about which of that group of players you trade - don't fall in love with your guys. (Scooter Hotz)
2016-08-30 13:00:00 (link to chat)I have a competitive squad in a 14 team mixed dynasty. Wondering which order you would keep the follow OF: Ian Desmond, Dexter Fowler, Jay Bruce, Justin Upton. They all have weird and confusing career arcs.
(Rob from Alaska)
You said it: all those guys are on weird tangential career paths. I'd rank them in the order you currently have them in. I was debating between Fowler and Bruce for longer than I'd like to admit, but assuming this is a category format, Fowler's SBs push him over the edge. I really wish Justin Upton would have a resurgent year. I miss that guy being awesome. (Will Haines)
2016-05-16 23:00:00 (link to chat)Are Justin Upton and/or Jason Heyward top 30 OFers the rest of the season?
(Truganini from Co)
Upton's track record is just too long and consistent (and full of streaky offensive performance) for me to expect anything less than that ultimate level for him. Heyward I still have absolutely no idea what to make of re: fantasy value. He's shown about 4 different profiles as a hitter, and while true talent probably suggests he's somewhere around that range as a solid 5 category guy (average AVG, 12-15 HR, 20 SB, lotta Runs, some RBI) I don't have as much confidence in him producing fantasy numbers at that level as I do Upton. (Wilson Karaman)
2016-05-18 19:00:00 (link to chat)Justin Upton or Jason Heyward rest of season OBP league.
(Truganini from Here)
In an OBP league it's Heyward and it's not close for me. I'll be honest, I know there's a segment of the fantasy industry that thinks Upton turns it around, but I've watched the last two weeks or so of his plate appearances and I don't see it right now. He's getting pitches to hit and just missing the vast majority of them. The strikeouts are a huge concern. (George Bissell)
2016-01-14 20:00:00 (link to chat)What would you do if you're the white sox. Sign a big name to plug in the holes or a smaller name or stand pat and hope guys like Tim Anderson and Carson fulmer can contribute in 2016 or a combination of the above? As they stand now they seem unlikely to make the postseason, what should they do to get there?
(Jeff from Inland empire)
I'd take the middle road, sign one big bat like Yoenis Cespedes or Justin Upton and then hope that Anderson and others can make an impact. They seem unlikely to make the postseason but they also look a lot like the Mets did entering 2015, with a staff that has the potential to be great and an offense that falls a little short. Of course they're not in the NL East so they can't just beat up on their division and hope to get lucky. But that would be my path for the White Sox. (Mike Gianella)
2015-12-15 14:00:00 (link to chat)Which among Alex Gordon, Justin Upton, and Yoenis Cespedes do you think would be the best fit for the Angels and their dire need for a LF? Which one do you think is the likeliest signing for them?
(Dennis from LA)
Man, that's a great question. I think Gordon is the least likely of these, but he might be the best fit. I love Gordon. He's one of the best defensive LF I've ever seen and he's not exactly bereft of offensive talent. Yo is the most likely, though. Artie loves dingers. (Christopher Crawford)
2015-12-08 13:00:00 (link to chat)With the inflation of baseball salaries, would position players be better off with fewer years but higher AAV contracts? If I'm Heyward, I don't want to lock myself into a 7 year deal when i can get paid again in my prime in 3-4 years. At the rate they're going, 200 million in 4 years will look like a bargain. I also suppose that's why some pitchers ask for the opt out clause in their contracts, but I haven't heard as much with position players. Your thoughts?
(Scott from Lincolnshire)
I would be shocked if Heyward's contract doesn't end up including an opt-out. Justin Upton might push for one, too. Giancarlo Stanton, of course, has that opt-out that essentially halves the reported length of his contract. Yes, I think opt-outs are the future for every top-tier free agent under 30, and for many signers of pre-FA extensions. (Matthew Trueblood)
2015-10-19 19:00:00 (link to chat)Hey Mike -- do me a favor and pick one FA OF for next year -- Alex Gordon, Yoenis Cespedes, Justin Upton, or Jason Heyward.
(bgrosnick from Ann Arbor, MI)
Upton though they're all really close. (Tout Wars Champ Mike Gianella)
2015-08-25 13:00:00 (link to chat)Where do you expect Justin Upton to land next season?
(Alex from Anaheim)
Seattle! (airplane emoji) (airplane emoji) #tweetliketrout (Christopher Crawford)
2015-07-23 17:00:00 (link to chat)Where is the most likely landing spot for Justin Upton at the deadline and come free agency?
(Rob from Chicago)
If the oblique isn't barking and he does get traded, it's hard to see an ideal fit. He keeps getting linked to the Mets but they don't have the money. The Angels would also be logical but they also don't seem to want to make a big move. I'll go crazy and say the Royals if they're looking to upgrade on Rios. In the offseason, I assume that Upton gets a five or six year deal for big money so you need a team with big pockets looking to make a splash. I'll guess the Orioles. (Mike Gianella)
2015-07-16 20:00:00 (link to chat)George, love the piece today on trade targets. You were limited to selecting only 1 player though. I'm sure there were more you liked. Can you give us a few? Thanks
(DanDaMan from Sea Cliff)
Asking our fantasy staff to pick one player each is like herding cats. Impossible. I think Justin Upton is someone you can acquire on the cheap right now if his owner is panicking. He's hit .176/.281/.244 since June 1st...You have to remember he's just always been an incredibly streaky hitter. I know everyone is that way, but Upton gets blazing hot and ice cold more than anyone I can ever remember. He's playing for a new contract, he's going to hit. Invest. I also love some of the guys our staff picked like V-Mart, Carrasco, Hutchison (seriously look at his stats they're so odd) and Yelich...Totally on board with those. Also love me some Mookie Betts in the second half. (George Bissell)
2015-07-30 13:00:00 (link to chat)Hi Jeff, can you name me some great buy-low candidates for dynasty leagues? Thanks!
(Matt from Dallas)
Anyone in the Indians'rotation that someone in your league is willing to sell. Especially Kluber (who isn't really low, though some think he is) and Carrasco. Pineda might be another, depending on your definition of buying low.

As for hitters ... I think Encarnacion, HanRam, and Beltre all make some sense as buy low candidates. Could also gamble on Justin Upton being moved to a more hitter-friendly park. (Jeff Long)
2015-06-22 13:00:00 (link to chat)Rymer Liriano still a guy worth watching or is he becoming a quad A player?
(Steve from Cleveland)
Somewhat of both. He was always a guy who had some pitch recognition issues and some flame out potential, but he's still just 24. He's blocked right now for this season, but don't rule out the potential for him to figure it out and be productive next year if/when Justin Upton leaves and there's a competition for an outfield spot. The additional time in AAA isn't hurting him. Remember, this is a guy who missed a full season. (Jeff Moore)
2015-04-16 17:00:00 (link to chat)I like having Justin Upton on my favorite team.
(sdsuphilip from San Diego)
I would too. (Mike Gianella)
2014-12-10 13:00:00 (link to chat)The Braves want more for Justin Upton than they got for Heyward. Do they get it?
(Fredisucks from Atlanta)
long term, I'd take Heyward over Upton, but this is a one-year scenario. The fact that Upton can produce with the bat at a higher level (right now), especially in the power department, makes me believe they can get more for him. (Sahadev Sharma)
2014-08-08 13:00:00 (link to chat)I'm in a 12 team keeper league. each team gets to keep 7 players for next season. who do you think i should keep from this list: George Springer, Bryce Harper, Chris Sale, Justin Upton, Byron Buxton, Addison Russell, Taijuan Walker, Lucas Giolito, Francisco Lindor, Dylan Bundy, Kevin Gausmann, Carlos Correa, Miguel Sano, Zach Wheeler. Thanks.
(childgrambino from Richmond, VA)
Harper, Sale, Upton, Walker, Gausman, Wheeler and Springer. 12 team leagues, you keep guys who are contributing. Having this many prospects in this shallow a league is bananas. Drop a bunch. (Craig Goldstein)
2014-07-24 19:00:00 (link to chat)Is Justin Upton, Lance Lynn, and Derek Holland a reasonable price for Chris Sale, Joey Gallo, Kenley Jansen, and a top 5-10 prospect pick (assume 2014 draftees)?
(AJ from Phoenix)
I value Sale over Upton by enough to want more in this deal if I'm the Sale side. (Mauricio Rubio)
2014-07-24 19:00:00 (link to chat)With all the hype around Byron Buxton, what are the chances he actually reaches his ceiling? We are still waiting for guys like Jason Heyward and Justin Upton to reach theirs (I know they're still young).
(Shawnykid23 from CT)
extraordinarily low because his ceiling is extraordinarily high. I was talking about this with J.P. Breen last night on the way home from Kane County, just because a player doesn't reach lofty heights doesn't make him worthless or a bust. His ceiling allows for a lot of value even if he falls short. If he's 80% of Willie Mays that's still incredibly valuable. (Mauricio Rubio)
2014-07-01 13:00:00 (link to chat)I'm in the playoff race in a 20-team dynasty (5x5's with OBP, XBH & QS, HLD): I gave Byron Buxton, Jon Gray, and Alcides Escobar. I received Justin Upton, Doug Fister, and Neil Walker. Essentially the type of trade you want to make as a Buxton owner, or did I sell short?
(AJ from Phoenix)
#ibelieve (Chris Rodriguez)
2014-07-03 19:00:00 (link to chat)I'm in the playoff race in a 20-team dynasty (5x5's with OBP, XBH & QS, HLD): I gave Byron Buxton, Jon Gray, and Alcides Escobar. I received Justin Upton, Doug Fister, and Neil Walker. Essentially the type of trade you want to make as a Buxton owner, or did I sell short?
(AJ from Phoenix)
I...don't think I would've given Buxton for Upton, Gray for Fister. I think you came out behind on name value as I think you could've gotten more.

Upton is a good player though, I hope it works out for you. (Mauricio Rubio)
2014-07-03 19:00:00 (link to chat)I'm in the playoff race in a 20-team dynasty (5x5's with OBP, XBH & QS, HLD): I gave Byron Buxton, Jon Gray, and Alcides Escobar. I received Justin Upton, Doug Fister, and Neil Walker. Essentially the type of trade you want to make as a Buxton owner, or did I sell short?
(AJ from Phoenix)
I...don't think I would've given Buxton for Upton, Gray for Fister. I think you came out behind on name value as I think you could've gotten more.

Upton is a good player though, I hope it works out for you. (Mauricio Rubio)
2014-05-05 13:00:00 (link to chat)What is Adam Brett Walker's ceiling? What does he need to do to reach it?
(CJ from New Hampshire)
In a report earlier this year I said he reminded me of Justin Upton with a terrible approach. I've seen him again since then and I think that still applies. Same body type, similar swing. His power is more Upton-lite than Upton-esque, but it's legit 60 power. When he gets one, it really goes. Unfortunately, he doesn't recognize breaking stuff at all and even bad change ups fool him. If he wants to be productive, he needs to greatly improve his pitch recognition, something that is difficult to do. Not sure he ever gets there, but man when he gets a pitch to hit, it's fun to watch. (Jeff Moore)
2014-02-26 19:00:00 (link to chat)I love Justin Upton, he has all the raw talent in the world. But I am worried about his plate discipline...He doesn't make a ton of contact. He whiffs a lot. Are we looking a Jay Bruce with a tiny bit of speed?
(Dylan from Rhode Island.)
You know, I still think an MVP year is still there even considering the godawful Whiff/Swing% numbers on Fastballs he posted last year. It's likely that he's a low average power guy who can steal 15 bases but I still believe, Dylan.

I still believe. (Mauricio Rubio)
2014-02-20 13:00:00 (link to chat)Would you trade Scherzer for Justin Upton in a dynasty league or should I hold out for an OF with higher upside?
(upperdecker from Snowmageddon)
I could do that. I'd try for higher given Scherzer's hot 2013, but that's not a bad deal (Paul Sporer)
2014-02-20 13:00:00 (link to chat)If Justin Upton and Jason Heyward do more of the same this year, are you moving on from either, one, both in keeper leagues?
(Rob from Philly)
I love both, still. (Paul Sporer)
2014-01-29 19:00:00 (link to chat)I traded Bryce Harper for Robinson Cano and Justin Upton in a dynasty league. I had a need at 2B, so this deal was a slam dunk right? Or at least until Harper hits 50 bombs
(CharlieWerner from Manayunk PA)
Probably a slam drunk for the next two or three years and the cause of much internal turmoil on your part from 2017 on. But that's fine. (Ben Carsley)
2014-01-21 18:00:00 (link to chat)Hi Mike! Have read MLB Buxton comps from Trout to JB Upton... Any thoughts?
(Gary from Petaluma, CA.)
Byron Buxton's legit. If he turned into Mike Trout that would be amazing, but predicting any player will be Mike Trout is like saying someone will be a generational talent. Justin Upton is more realistic, but the ceiling is higher than that. (Mike Gianella)
2013-12-03 13:00:00 (link to chat)Do you see the M's getting Kemp? What would the framework of the deal be?
(Joe from Tacoma)
I would guess not, because that seems like it would be a complicated deal and those are tough to bet on. Maybe Seattle goes after another big-named guy on the move, albeit without the massive contract-think someone like Justin Upton last year. (R.J. Anderson)
2013-11-19 13:00:00 (link to chat)What is Justin Upton's value in a dynasty league? Is gambling on his upside worth 2 top 25 offensive prospects?
(Bob from New York)
Absolutely. Upton is still a top-25 overall player in dynasty formats for me. (Bret Sayre)
2013-10-07 18:00:00 (link to chat)I own Justin Upton, Yoenis Cespedes, Domonic Brown and Matt Kemp in a dynasty league. Can I count on either of them to make a huge step forward next year to elite status? Thanks!
(Derek from St. Louis)
Hi Derek:

I wouldn't think any of them are big "huge step forward" guys, but Brown and Kemp are probably your best bets. Kemp will bounce back assuming health (a big if, though) while Brown is still young enough that he could maintain or get a little better. (Mike Gianella)
2013-07-02 13:00:00 (link to chat)Zachary, how do you think the AZ outfield will shake out when Adam Eaton returns? Parra has done a great job. Eaton has seems a perfect fit for my "hard nosed" style of baseball. But we also have Cody Ross, Jason Kubel, and AJ Pollock. Something has to give, right?
(Kirk Gibson from AZ)
Oh man, something definitely has to give. The easy answer would have been to trade Kubel because it's a final guaranteed year, but you'd be selling low on him. He's had a bad year. This was why I called Ross my least favorite move of the offseason. Not because he's a bad player, but because it's three years at high price and crippling to the state of the outfield. They traded Justin Upton after that and now are in a position where they're putting something useful on the bench.

Trade Parra at peak value? I'm not sure I would do it, but I'd always listen. (Zachary Levine)
2013-06-20 13:00:00 (link to chat)Justin Upton for Zack Wheeler and Puig. Dynasty.
(Max from Toronto)
That's a nice trade. I think I'd want the J-Up side, but both are completely fair. (Paul Sporer)
2013-04-16 20:00:00 (link to chat)Justin Upton will be a top __ roto pick next year?
(springisotopes from Toronto)
5 (Bret Sayre)
2013-02-27 20:00:00 (link to chat)Could you rank these guys: Justin Upton, Jason Heyward, Bryce Harper
(SecondHandStore from Under a bunch of snow)
I'd go Heyward, Upton, and Harper though they're really close and I could see flipping the rankings in any direction. (Mike Gianella)
2013-03-08 13:00:00 (link to chat)Is Justin Upton the 2012 version or 2011 version?
(Carl from New Mexico)
Carl, if anything has been the hallmark of Upton's career so far, it's been inconsistency. He has pretty well established the ability to keep the batting average around .280 and the OBP around .360, but it's the power that confounds. His ISOs for the past four years are .232, .170, .240, .150. The guy is 25 years old and I do not believe he's a .150 ISO hitter. The safe bet is to say that Upton's true level lies between his 2011 and 2012 performance, but every time I watch him, I wonder why the 2011 version doesn't show up all the time. He's still young enough to get to that next level and stay there. (Geoff Young)
2013-02-14 13:00:00 (link to chat)Highest WAR this season: Justin Upton, B.J. Upton, Kate Upton?
(J.R. from South Bend)
Kate's road numbers, especially in Antarctica give her a huge edge. Justin right there, though. (Paul Sporer)
2013-02-26 14:00:00 (link to chat)What is the Mets outfield going to look like on opening day?
(Alek from New York)
Essentially as it looks right now, as frightening a thought as that might seem. It seems that Alderson is content with his current outfield, after whiffing on Michael Bourn and Justin Upton, and it makes little sense to ship out a prospect for short-term help in a rebuilding year. (Daniel Rathman)
2013-01-29 14:00:00 (link to chat)So JUpton is no longer a rumor to be traded. What are your thoughts of how he'll fare in Atlanta?
(DanDaMan from SeaCliff)
Yep - sadly, after saving me on numerous otherwise-slow Roundup days, Justin Upton is no longer a candidate to be rounded up. I think he'll bounce back in Atlanta, but as much because he may have been playing hurt last year as because of the change of scenery. I'd give him better-than-even odds of returning to four-win performance. (Daniel Rathman)
2013-01-29 14:00:00 (link to chat)Hi Daniel, What currently is the most intriguing Rumor still out there?
(Frank from Singapore)
Whoa, Singapore - I believe that's the first time I've answered a question from thousands of miles away from North America!

The Bourn situation is the most intriguing at this point, especially with Justin Upton no longer making headlines, but it's also interesting to look at teams that seemingly will need to make trades before Opening Day yet have been quiet to this point. The Diamondbacks, for example, have indicated that they won't be moving any of their remaining outfielders, but a look at their roster (http://www.mlbdepthcharts.com/2012/10/arizona-diamondbacks-2012-13-offseason.html) suggests that there are still too many players for 25 spots.

Considering that Hideki Okajima led-off today's Roundup, roster-based speculation like that might be the best we've got. (Daniel Rathman)
2013-01-14 14:00:00 (link to chat)After the vetoed Seattle deal, do you think Arizona will accept a lesser deal for Justin Upton or can they kiss and make up with him? It doesn't seem like building a package around Mike Olt is even close to what they were getting.
(Scott from LA)
They say they won't accept less than they would have gotten back in that trade, and since that potential return was revealed publicly, there's some pressure on them to at least match that package. But there's also some extra pressure on them to trade Upton, and Sam and I discussed on the podcast on Friday. Tough to start a season with a guy you've spent the whole winter loudly trying to trade. (Ben Lindbergh)
2013-01-14 14:00:00 (link to chat)With the reality that Curtis Granderson and Robinson Cano are Free Agents in the next calendar year, why don't the Yankees considering dealing Grandy and/or prospects for Justin Upton? They may be afraid of the 189 MIL tax threshold, but its very questionable that they don't have any interest or inclination of acquiring Justin Upton to fill Swisher's role.
(jlarsen from chicago)
I'm sure the Yankees have some interest in acquiring Upton. I don't think Arizona would be that interested in Granderson in an Upton package, though, and I'm not sure the Yankees have the prospects. Maybe Gardner plus all their prospects. And yeah, Upton actually makes money beyond 2013, which makes Hal Steinbrenner scared. (Ben Lindbergh)
2012-12-05 13:00:00 (link to chat)Completely Gratuitous 4-Team Blockbuster Trade Proposal: -Mets send R.A. Dickey to Red Sox, send Lucas Duda + Domingo Tapia to Indians & send Wilmer Flores to Diamondbacks -Red Sox send Archie Bradley + Anthony Ranaudo to Indians -Indians send Asdrubal Cabrera to Diamondbacks & send Shin-Soo Choo + Vinnie Pestano to Mets -Diamondbacks send Justin Upton to Mets Care to offer gratuitous thoughts?
(mattstupp from NYC)
Math makes my head hurt (Ian Miller)
2012-10-23 13:00:00 (link to chat)Have you soured a bit on Guzman or is Brinson a Justin Upton starter kit?
(rangerfans2 from Fort Worth, TX)
I haven't soured on Guzman at all. Brinson isn't an Upton starter kit. If you have to force a comp, force Cameron Maybin instead. Brinson is a lot of fun to watch. He can play a very good center field, he can run, and he can square balls. It s nice package. (Jason Parks)
2012-09-26 13:00:00 (link to chat)Do you think it would be possible/probable for a team to acquire both Justin Upton and Chris Young in the same trade? Seems like the Snakes are selling low on both.
(Gavin from NYC)
Honestly I haven't been keeping up to date on all the various Dbacks OF trade rumors, so I have no special intel. That said, I don't think they'd necessarily be selling low on either guy. Yes, they're both coming off mediocre years, but everyone knows what Justin Upton is. He's a LEGIT elite-power guy who might benefit greatly from a change of scenery. The tools are there, and he's still very young -- seems like he's been around forever, but he's only 25! Still 2 years away from his mythical age-27 season.

On the other hand, Chris Young just turned 29 and is clearly on the downside of his career. You've got Adam Eaton ready to slot in in CF, so I think you have to move Young before his value drops further. (Ian Miller)
2012-07-24 13:00:00 (link to chat)Do you like the fact that the Padres are apparently holding onto (and extending!) some of their best trade chips? Trading Quentin or Street wouldn't necessary guarantee prospects of equal quality anyway ...
(Richard from Los Angeles)
I really don't get these deals (or non-deals I suppose in the case of Street). It's not like either are special players - the kind that San Diego needs to build around. I think with the relative lack of sellers out there (and Justin Upton setting a high anchor price), the Padres might have been able to get something interesting. And even if there aren't top prospects included, getting someone cheap with upside potential probably would have been worth the risk. (Dan Turkenkopf)
2012-07-09 14:00:00 (link to chat)When do you expect Marte up for the Pirates? What can we expect of him this year?
(Nick Johnson from Aviles)
I think you'll see Marte up by early-August, but it'd be unwise to expect a ton right away. He should outperform the Pirates' current corner outfielders, but he does have 74 strikeouts in 331 at-bats in Triple-A, so it's unlikely that he'll thrive right away.

Marte's timetable also likely depends on whether the Pirates swing a deal for an outfielder at the deadline. They're rumored to be in on Carlos Quentin and Justin Upton, and adding either of those two might push Marte back a bit. (Daniel Rathman)
2012-07-03 14:00:00 (link to chat)Thoughts on Justin Upton in dynasty leagues? Can't help but be disappointed so far this year.
(John from Miami)
Can't help but be disappointed, but I still really like Upton, and especially when you're thinking long-term, I wouldn't be worried. (Derek Carty)
2012-06-19 13:00:00 (link to chat)Is it likely that a Royal will be chosen for the HR derby this season being it's being played in Kansas City? If so, you would be the best option for Cano, Butler, Moustakas or Hosmer?
(igoinsane67 from work)
Are they doing the "team captain" thing they did last year? As big of a Prince Fielder fan as I am, I was really disappointed when he gave Rickie Weeks a spot on the roster instead of hometown hero (and very deserving) Justin Upton.

My guess is that whoever is in charge makes sure that a Royal is on the team. I would really want it to be Billy Butler. I just love watching him hit (and trot!). (Larry Granillo)
2012-03-26 13:00:00 (link to chat)Brooklyn Dodgers or Justin Upton?
(Jon KK from Elkhart, Ind.)
This year, Upton. (Sam Miller)
2012-02-23 11:00:00 (link to chat)Is it foolish to think the Dbacks are going to be good again. I know Justin Upton had an MVP caliber season. I also read KG's write up about the pitching prospects. Isn't the team just help up by duct tape?
(Tim from Reno)
I don't think it's foolish at all. They're my pick to win the division. I like the management team they have in place, and Upton is a stud. Even if guys like Ian Kennedy and Miguel Montero regress a little, Arizona has a solid foundation. And as you say, the farm system looks pretty good. If the D'backs are held together by duct tape, I'd like to know what brand they're using because it's pretty effective. (Geoff Young)
2012-02-23 11:00:00 (link to chat)Do you believe Justin Upton will win an MVP one of these seasons?
(Nickles from San Francisco)
Do I believe Upton has the ability? Absolutely. Do I believe he'll put up the numbers? Probably. That leaves voters as the only variable. I'll let you decide from there. (Geoff Young)
2012-01-30 13:00:00 (link to chat)With Pujols and Fielder now in the AL, how many NL players are the type of guy that casual fans will know and want to buy a ticket to see? Lincecum? Strasburg? I'm struggling to find a few.
(Stay Gold, Man from Outsiders)
You mean besides Will Venable? It does seem like the NL is in a bit of a down cycle when it comes to minting sluggers. There is still Joey Votto and Matt Kemp, maybe Ryan Braun doesn't get suspended, and someone like Justin Upton steps into a greater light, or Mike Stanton captures the world's attention... I would buy a ticket to watch Troy Tulowitzki play. (Steven Goldman)
2011-11-15 13:00:00 (link to chat)Is '12 the year that Justin Upton and Andrew McCutcheon take "The Leap" and reach MVP candidate levels? I have each as potential keepers in a very deep NL only league, but with salaries in the mid 30s for each (260 budget) I'm on the fence.
(Silv from NY, NY)
Yes to Upton, no to McCutchen. McCutchen will still be very good, but I don't think he'll be an elite fantasy producer like Upton is/will be. That said, you're probably still looking at an even-value proposition on McCutchen at worst in a league like that, so he's likely keepable unless you don't want to commit to two guys who are that highly-priced. (Derek Carty)
2011-01-18 13:00:00 (link to chat)I've got an outfield heavy team in an 11 team, standard 5x5 league with 5 keepers (boring, I know). I'm currently thinking David Wright, Matt Kemp, Justin Upton, Justin Verlander and Matt Latos. But I also have Jay Bruce, Colby Rasmus and Cole Hamels as options. I've recently had the skill of kicking ass drafting starting pitching in the 9th-15th rounds, but who knows if that continues... Am I keeping the worst OF in Upton just because of hype? Which five of those eight do you keep?
(Adam from Philly)
I would see what you can get in a trade for Upton--I think he turns into something great, but you might find someone who buys him on the hype of his turning into even more. I would keep Bruce over Kemp though. Verlander/Latos is the right call for the SP, thanks to their respective parks. (Marc Normandin)
2010-12-14 13:00:00 (link to chat)Is that more your confidence in Rasmus or you don't think J. Upton ever lives up to potential?
(The Dude from Ca)
More a matter of confidence in Rasmus than a slight of Justin Upton. Whether it's fair or not, the expectations mounded atop Upton seem bound to be disappointed, but he'll be an excellent player for a long time. (Christina Kahrl)
2010-12-14 13:00:00 (link to chat)If the Phils can't deal Blanton, do you think there's a chance they'd move Cole Hamels instead? It's right out of Amaro's playbook - get the bird in the hand (Lee locked up long-term) instead of waiting to see if Hamels re-ups before he hits free agency. If they try to move Hamels, where does he end up? Arizona in a deal involving Justin Upton, perhaps?
(ColonelTom from Richmond, KY)
It's possible they'd move Hamels, but I can't see them putting somebody in Domonic Brown's way as being the objective. Of course, they do have just one more year to go with Raul Ibanez... (Christina Kahrl)
2010-11-23 13:00:00 (link to chat)Please tell me Justin Upton will end up in Boston instead of Seattle or Toronto. What're the latest rumors?
(Marco from Virginia Beach)
I'm about 98 percent certain Upton's not going anywhere. I don't think Arizona is particularly interested in trading him, but marketing him when they're not pressured to actually make a deal might shake loose better offers than marketing him under the pressure of an approaching deadline or contract end. I wrote about this at Pinstriped Bible last week: http://www.pinstripedbible.com/2010/11/19/to-the-mats-power-of-towers/ (Jay Jaffe)
2010-11-16 13:00:00 (link to chat)Dom Brown for Justin Upton straight up. Who hangs up first?
(Tim from Boston)
Kevin Towers, unless Amaro quickly adds "and $50 million" and the D'backs are broke. (Ben Lindbergh)
2010-10-14 13:00:00 (link to chat)I don't have a question, I just wanted to point out that I just saw that Donovan Tate was born in 1990. I feel really, really old.
(saccabbee from Austin, TX)
My first realization that I would never be a major leaguer came when Justin Upton was drafted at 17 years old. Felix Hernandez is about two weeks younger than I am. (Marc Normandin)
2010-09-21 13:00:00 (link to chat)I thought I was all set for years to come with Matt Kemp and Justin Upton as two of my annual freezers. Can that still be true going forward, even without one getting a new head and the other a new shoulder?
(Yatchisin from Santa Barbara)
Upton has been disappointingly average, but since he's still young I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. I would hate to not have him if he returns to developing like he should. Kemp's 2010 is very worrisome, and it's something I'm going to look at in detail this offseason. (Marc Normandin)
2010-08-26 13:00:00 (link to chat)Marc, my team has turned it around and I'm gearing up for the stretch drive. I don't want to trade anymore draft picks so I'm thinking of trading one of my keeper worthy guys to fill any holes and strengthen my roster. I can only keep 4 out of Braun, Car-Gon, Wright, Teixeira, Justin Upton and Mat Latos. I have some other young stud pitchers but am thinking that pitchers aren't worth keeping in this league. So which 4 players would you keep? Thanks Marc
(DanDaMan from Sea Cliff)
Braun, Wright, Latos, and then it's down to Upton or Carlos Gonzalez. Gonzalez is awesome, but if you're playing head-to-head and not roto, his road stats could be a problem since they won't even out the same way in the standings. Teixeira is great, but he plays first base (the deepest position) and can probably bring you back a lot in a trade if a team is in need of one. (Marc Normandin)
2010-08-26 13:00:00 (link to chat)6 keeper slots, head to head league. Hits, OBP, SLG, Total Bases / IP, HR allowed, Holds and K/BB ratio are the extra categories we use on top of the standard ones. Who do you keep out of these 8 candidates? Kinsler, Wright, Howard, Justin Upton, Braun, Rasmus, Nelson Cruz, King Felix.
(Teraxx from Strong Island, NY)
Wright, Braun, Rasmus, Felix, Kinsler for sure. Then it's kind of a toss up for me between Cruz and Upton--Cruz is probably better short-term, but Upton long-term, so that last one is up to your preference. (Marc Normandin)
2010-07-01 14:00:00 (link to chat)Is there a player in baseball with better all around tools than Josh Hamilton? Its pretty awesome watching him when he's healthy and in the zone...Justin Upton?
(ramjam36 from Fort Worth, TX)
Both good candidates. Hamilton is nothing short of ridiculous. The fact that he's this good after almost throwing his career, hell, his life away, shows just what at amazing athlete he is. (Kevin Goldstein)
2010-06-10 13:00:00 (link to chat)What do you think Justin Upton's final line will be? You think he can come close to this projection? .275/30/100/20
(Lance from Boston, MA)
Not if he keeps striking out at pre-2009 rates, he won't. I thought that was over with, but here we go again with the Justin Upton who can't make contact. (Marc Normandin)
2010-06-10 13:00:00 (link to chat)What the hell do I do with Justin Upton (taken 11'th overall)? And Dracut isn't Eastern MA, it's Southern NH
(Jack from Boston)
It's more like Northeastern MA! (Marc Normandin)
2010-05-05 13:00:00 (link to chat)Marc, I need some serious help. I thought I drafted really well with a bunch of 4 and 5 star guys, but here I sit in 12th place. I have Kinsler back and Wright and Teixeira seem to be turning things around, but Justin Upton, Brett Anderson, Bucholtz and Kershaw have been disappointments and Ianetta, Jurrjens, Javi Vazquez and Scherzer have been awful. There trade value is non-existent to low. Time to cut bait on any of them?
(DanDaMan from 12th Place)
DanDaMan, it's been just over a month. Here's my take on fantasy: you get frustrated before you get worried. I try to be very patient, because if you get rid of a player that you had that much faith in just weeks ago based on a small sample, then you're going to regret it later far more often than not.

I'm currently in a super-deep AL-only league where you need five outfielders--three of mine were Jack Cust, Mike Cameron and Rick Ankiel. I'm panicking a little more in that league just because there are literally no replacements (the best available OF on waivers has 8 at-bats), but in all of my others that have bad things going on (injuries, early struggles, etc.) I'm just waiting it out. Don't panic. (Marc Normandin)
2010-04-21 14:00:00 (link to chat)Has Heyward surpassed Justin Upton on the road to Cooperstown?
(ccweinmann from seattle)
I am just as impressed with Heyward as the next guy, but I think we all need to calm down. Right now it's a wonderful story, hometown kid, 20 years old, highly touted, actually delivering to start the season, but let's let him finish the year out before enshrining him. I wish him all the success in the world, but if 50 PA isn't enough evidence for anything else, it certainly isn't enough to anoint him the messiah of baseball. (Eric Seidman)
2010-03-04 13:00:00 (link to chat)Who do you like for the bigger year: Granderson, Justin Upton, or Crawford?
(derek from dc)
Well, my combined outfielders list is going up today or tomorrow, depending on how long I chat here. Right now I have it as Crawford/Upton/Granderson (though Granderson is four-star), but I can see Upton going crazy enough to leapfrog over Crawford. Just not a big enough possibility of that for me to rank them that way to begin with. (Marc Normandin)
2010-03-04 13:00:00 (link to chat)Justin Upton's new deal, good or bad? The Diamondbacks appear to be reading your fantasy ratings.
(Larry from Bridgewater, NJ)
The Upton brothers are going to get dual restraining orders to keep me from ever being near either of them. I like the deal a lot, especially since he's a free agent again before he's 30, which means they can sign him again.

By the way, I have a present for all for you guys: Combined Outfielder Rankings (Marc Normandin)
2010-03-04 13:00:00 (link to chat)I have eight keepers for this season in a 12-team league. Without me telling you everyone, I have kept only one pitcher (Tim Lincecum) and one outfielder (Justin Upton). We start five outfielders. I also have managed to trade for the top pick in the draft. Am I stupid to lock up Stephen Strasburg, despite him not making an immediate impact, or would you go with Adam Jones, potential "fantasy monster" as you describe him? These are the only two guys I'm debating on for the pick.
(Jimmy from DC)
I *love* Adam Jones. And so does PECOTA. Strasburg will be easier to acquire outside of keepers than Jones, IMO. I'd keep Jones. (Marc Normandin)
2010-02-09 13:00:00 (link to chat)How good do you think Justin Upton will be over the next few years? Would you rather have him or Ryan Braun?
(Dennis from LA)
Upton draws frequent comparisons to Junior Griffey, which is pretty high praise, though not having the ability to play center field is a strike against that comparison. That said, he's more athletic than Braun, much less of a liability in the field, and almost four years younger. Much as I love Braun - and as a Brewers fan by marriage, I love watching him hit - this is no contest. (Jay Jaffe)
2010-01-13 13:00:00 (link to chat)In what year does Justin Upton challenge Albert Pujols for the NL MVP award?
(Bossman Sr. from Tampa Bay)
Not this year but he'll take another step toward superstardom. (John Perrotto)
2009-12-09 13:00:00 (link to chat)Who's the most valuable commodity in baseball, taking into consideration his age, contract/status and growth/decline? Justin Upton?
(Jackson from Philly, Pennsylvania)
Strasburg, probably. Once you put contract status in the mix, you're really down to prospects and 0-1 guys. Andrus. Weiters. Kershaw. (Joe Sheehan)
2009-12-01 13:00:00 (link to chat)What do you predict Justin Upton's average draft position will be in next spring's fantasy drafts? Going into his age-22 season, is it reasonable to expect him to put it all together after last year's ups and downs?
(BR from NYC)
Not quite sure on draft position yet, as I'm still ironing out all of that stuff in my head, but I'm with you on thinking that this will be the year where people realize holy crap, Justin Upton is awesome. (Marc Normandin)
2009-11-19 13:00:00 (link to chat)Who hangs up first on a Justin Upton for Bumgarner-and-Posey swap?
(Martin from Tucson)
The Diamondbacks, largely because Miguel Montero is pretty good. (Joe Sheehan)
2009-10-09 13:30:00 (link to chat)Fun subjective question: Based on what you've seen and older scouts you know, who are the five most physically talented prospects of the past 25-30 years? Griffey, A-Rod, Bo Jackson, Eric Davis, Strawberry?
(Jonathan from New York)
I love this question, but the discussion would take . . . years. Justin Upton comes to mind for recent guys, Dave Winfield if we can go back a few more years. (Kevin Goldstein)
2009-09-02 13:00:00 (link to chat)How many players would take over the next 10 years ahead of Matt Kemp? Would there be any other outfielders on that list?
(ssjames from Orange, CA )
Justin Upton would be an outfielder ahead of him on my list for sure. (Eric Seidman)
2009-09-08 13:00:00 (link to chat)I need some help returning my fantasy team to its former glory, and I hear you're the man to do it. We're in a 6x6 Head to Head league, and get 6 keepers - name your 6: Wright, Howard, Holliday, BJ Upton, J. Upton, CC Sabathia, J. Lester, M. Wieters, M. Cain
(dtwhite from Toronto)
Ooh, lots of good options. I like Wright for his well-roundedness, Justin Upton for being Justin Upton, Sabathia and Lester because that would give you two excellent aces for each week in head-to-head (ZOMG double starters weeks). After that it's a little iffier. Holliday has a great bat, Wieters is young and talented but unproven at the major league level, and B.J. Upton is having a hard time coming back from that shoulder problem, at least offensively. You could probably trade Howard for a better keeper pick, assuming someone in your league overrates him, no? (Marc Normandin)
2009-07-24 16:30:00 (link to chat)Hi Eric, thanks for the chat. I own Justin Upton in a dynasty points league (have his rights for the next four years after this one). If I decided to trade him, what would be an appropriate haul? Or is he, as I suspect, just someone to hold onto for the duration as a franchise cornerstone?
(Dennis from California)
A 21 yr old decent fielding and athletic outfielder currently hitting .291/.363/.529 as, like I said, a 21 yr old. You should take this question, rip it up, and just pretend it was never asked! (Eric Seidman)
2009-05-21 14:00:00 (link to chat)Who will be the best in 5 years out of these guys: Justin Upton, Jay Bruce, Evan Longoria, Ryan Braun, Travis Snider?
(Mike from Utica,NY)
Upton, with Longoria close behind. Upton should be in the home-run contest; he hits ridiculously impressive shots. (Joe Sheehan)
2009-05-21 14:00:00 (link to chat)If you were doing a Nate Silver style top 50, would Justin Upton crack the top 10? Top 5?
(bam022 from Chicago)
Top 12. I'm irrational about him at a .97 Adam Jones level. (Joe Sheehan)
2009-05-21 14:00:00 (link to chat)Hiya Joe. Better numbers the rest of this season: Nate McLouth or Justin Upton?
(YD from Philly)
Ditka.

(Upton.) (Joe Sheehan)
2009-05-07 14:00:00 (link to chat)Hi Kevin. On Justin Upton... just another hot streak, or just the beginning?
(Drew from Ohio)
B. (Kevin Goldstein)
2009-05-04 14:00:00 (link to chat)Do you see Justin Upton's recent hot streak continuing? Someone in my fantasy league cut him and I own Pat Burrell.
(Glenn from RI)
Yes, I do. Grab him now. He might make the All-Star team. (Joe Sheehan)
2009-05-04 14:00:00 (link to chat)Given his contract and youth, what outfielders in MLB would you take over Markakis for the next six years?
(Steve from DC)
Justin Upton, Grady Sizemore (probably). Um...after that it's tough. (Joe Sheehan)
2009-05-04 14:00:00 (link to chat)Long term, Matt Kemp of Justin Upton?
(Jonathan from New York)
Upton.

That kicks off the lightning round. (Joe Sheehan)
2009-04-13 14:00:00 (link to chat)What's the story with Justin Upton? He's been dropped in several of my fantasy leagues and I'm itching to pick him up, but are they really going to send him to AAA? There's no way he's not one of the 3 best OF on that team...
(Chad from NYC)
Grab him. The Diamondbacks are letting Eric Byrnes' $10 million contract dictate his playing time, in part because he's healthy and they have to play him in order to restore some of his value on the trade market. Upton had an awful spring and is off to a bad start, but given how uneven the D-Backs' offense looks, I'd be surprised if he does more than a brief refresher course in Triple-A, if that. His talent level at the moment and his massive upside mean he won't be kept down long. (Jay Jaffe)
2009-04-20 13:00:00 (link to chat)In the last 5 years or so, the following statements have been generally true about the D-Backs: (1) they have had a lot of highly-touted hitting prospects in their minor league system, (2) those same prospects are currently having a lot of trouble putting runs on the board at the major league level, and (3) Carlos Quentin didn't take off until he landed in Chicago. If you had to speculate, what do you think is going on in the desert?
(Randy from Ann Arbor, MI)
Do you have to look at Bob Melvin a little? His handling of Justin Upton this year sure is less than impressive, and he's got an affection for Tony Clark that's a little weird. Young players need to play, both for reps and so that they can develop without feeling that their career lives or dies on their next AB.

I don't know if Melvin is the cause of the stagnation of some of these guys, but I don't think he's helped them. (Joe Sheehan)
2009-04-16 13:00:00 (link to chat)Justin Upton. Have you seen him? Not just his numbers, but his at-bats. He really looks awful. Unable to hit breaking balls, really just not looking good at the plate at all. No doubt he's supremely talented but he's clearly way out of whack, and seems to have been so from the start of spring training. I'm having a hard time figuring out how a 21 year old is going to be able to make the necessary adjustments on the fly. Comments?
(ccweinmann from seattle)
If he's that out of sorts, maybe they should send him down for a bit to get him consistent playing time, rather than messing with his playing time in the bigs. We've got a guy who has the talent to be the next Big Thing, so it's a shame to see his development messed with. (Marc Normandin)
2009-03-03 13:00:00 (link to chat)Thanks for taking questions today, Marc. Jay Bruce, Justin Upton, Matt Kemp: who's better this year and who's better in 2010?
(Patrick from MPLS)
I'm listening to my Last.fm radio today by the way, so some random things are popping up. Soundgarden - Big Dumb Sex is on right now.

Bruce worries me a bit--he got by on his massive talent alone last year, but clearly wasn't ready for consistent production yet. He's going to be fun to watch as he matures and learns to adjust to the majors. I think right now that Matt Kemp is your safest bet for 2009, but by 2010 I might put Upton in front of him, and maybe even Bruce depending on how fast he moves along. Kemp's nice in fantasy because he does a bit of everything, but I would like to see a better contact rate from him so I can trust his batting average more. (Marc Normandin)
2009-02-24 13:00:00 (link to chat)Which young outfielder do you want in 2009 and beyond: Adam Jones or Justin Upton?
(shamah from NYC)
Just based on the defensive difference, I'd take Jones. I'm not sure that opinion will be shared. (Joe Sheehan)
2009-02-06 13:00:00 (link to chat)Which absurdly young stud has the better '09: Jay Bruce, Justin Upton?
(Andrew from Ohio)
I still cannot see Bruce's name without getting ELO's "Don't Bring Me Down" stuck in my head. So thanks, Andrew. Thanks a lot. My instinct is Upton based on his strong September, though Bruce was also quite good that month. If I say I think they'll both be good, is that a cop-out? If I had long-term chips, I'd bet Upton. (Steven Goldman)
2008-09-12 13:00:00 (link to chat)what player do you think will turn into the carlos quinten of 2009? a player stuck between AAA and the majors and never gets a chance to prove himself but when he finally does he goes off
(krgrecw from cola sc)
I think it's a bit of a misconception that Quentin was never given an opportunity in Phoenix--he did, and he blew it. The Snakes then made the overlapping decisions to bring up Justin Upton and (unfortunately) to commit to Eric Byrnes on a multi-year deal. The former made sense, and the latter was something a few of us here panned pretty vociferously at the time. The upshot was that Quentin became available, and while dealing from a surplus is fine in principle, the Snakes didn't have a surplus, they had an affectation for Eric Byrnes. That's a gift that's going to keep on giving.

As a result, I don't have an answer per se, in that Quentin's situation was unfortunate, but then his explosion, to this extent, was also very much unanticipated, both inside and outside the game. A year ago, some people might have said Steven Pearce was that guy; it's fun to say that Dallas McPherson could be, but he's not that good either. If you're looking for guys who had bumpy rookie years who should blossom as sophomores, I'd suggest Carlos Gonzalez in Oakland, or Jeff Clement in Seattle. (Christina Kahrl)
2008-08-27 13:00:00 (link to chat)Will-thanks for the chat. John Perrotto thinks the Dodgers will make a push for CC this offseason. Would teaming CC, Billz, Kuroda and Kershaw together form the best rotation in baseball? Who will be better long-term: Kemp or Justin Upton?
(raygu1 from burlington, nj)
Hmm. Sabathia at the head of any rotation is darned good. Not sure it's the best ... the Rays young staff will all be back, with Price and maybe Davis. Twins staff is really good, but lacks that "ace" unless Liriano comes all the way back. Giants could be outrageously good if Bumgardner pushes his way up next year and Sanchez comes back. (Will Carroll)
2008-08-27 13:00:00 (link to chat)Will-Who will be better long-term: Kemp or Justin Upton?
(raygu1 from burlington, nj)
Different players, but I'd take Upton SLIGHTLY. He's younger (I think) and with his brother's development pattern, I'd think that he's ahead of him on the curve. (Will Carroll)
2008-08-22 13:00:00 (link to chat)Thanks for the chat. Chances of Kemp outperforming Justin Upton long term???
(raygu1 from burlington, nj)
Long-term, I like Upton better. Kemp is going to be a great player, but I think Upton has the chance to be one we won't forget about for a long time. (Marc Normandin)
2008-08-18 13:00:00 (link to chat)How does Justin Upton fit back into the Diamondbacks lineup (or does he?) when he comes off the DL?
(Swingingbunts from NY)
I don't think Chad Tracy has played so well that he keeps Upton out of the lineup, so a situation where Jackson moves back to first, Dunn to left and Upton to right, with Tracy getting 2-3 starts a week for everyone, seems most likely. Having to play between Jackson and Dunn has to be getting old for Chris Young. (Joe Sheehan)
2008-07-25 14:00:00 (link to chat)If you had to pick one position player to build a major league team around, given talent and contract status, who would it be? Maybe relatedly, what can Rays fans hope for from Longoria's peak?
(Stephanie from DC)
Longoria wouldn't be the worst idea in the world. Maybe David Wright or Jose Reyes, tough to choose. Justin Upton, except he's a right fielder. (Joe Sheehan)
2008-06-27 14:00:00 (link to chat)Justin Upton needs AAA time, true or false and he's on pace to strikeout 170 times.
(Mike from Arizona)
Maybe in a perfect world, but he can obviously play, and last I checked, 170 Ks doesn't carry some special stigma, beyond going onto your permanent record. (Christina Kahrl)
2008-06-20 13:30:00 (link to chat)Who'll be better for the rest of the year, Justin Upton or Jay Bruce? Who'll have a better career?
(Mike from Queens)
Upton's contact issues are real, so I'd say Bruce in the short term. Long term, there aren't many properties more valuable than Jay Bruce, but Upton is one of them. (Joe Sheehan)
2008-06-17 15:00:00 (link to chat)Who puts up better numbers here on out - Justin Upton or Delmon Young?
(graffblood from Saint Paul)
Upton. Upton, Upton, Upton, Upton, Upton. Upton. (Jay Jaffe)
2008-05-22 13:00:00 (link to chat)Hey Will. As always, thanks for the chat! I know you're probably tired of Smoltz questions, but what do you think about the prospect of either Soriano or Smoltz being effective closers again this season? I have them both on my fantasy team's DL and, if you think either of them will close again full time (or split duties), I'm going to trade away my George Sherrill for Justin Upton. You're the deciding factor!
(Ameer from Bloomington, IN)
I'm not so much tired of the questions as I am a bit frustrated that people don't seem to get it on this. Smoltz's shoulder wore down when he was a closer before and now again as a starter. The shoulder is a problem independent of the role. Sherrill is way over his head as are the Orioles -- and I have an interesting note on them in today's UTK - and Upton is the wow. If the trade is reliant on one of them being effective, well, sure -- one of them, for a while, maybe in series. (Will Carroll)
2008-04-29 14:00:00 (link to chat)You said Morales is two months other than you are, so he has plenty of time to turn it around. Are you implying that you still have time to turn it around? Also, do you think a 26-year old college dropout that stares at his fantasy baseball team all day still has a chance at a Roy Halladay-like revival?
(mkvallely from Florissant)
Not that I thought I could be a major leaguer, but the day that "dream" was shattered was when Justin Upton was drafted at age-17. Roy Halladay? C'mon, at least pick someone with a fastball that tops out at 70. Like Barry Zito. (Marc Normandin)
2008-04-29 14:00:00 (link to chat)Along the same lines as the Tamp Starters question, should I be looking to move one of Chris Young, Justin Upton, or Mark Reynolds? Not only are they all on the same team but they are all right handed making their value run that much closer together on a day to day basis.
(Forden from Alberta)
I'd move Reynolds. His strikeout rate is bothersome, and that's coming from someone with an Adam Dunn t-shirt in his closet. (Marc Normandin)
2008-04-29 14:00:00 (link to chat)Marc - In a 9X9 league heavily weighted towards all the hit categories, would you trade Justin Upton to get Todd Helton? Helton was a top 25 player in this league last year. Thanks!
(Jeff from Chicago)
That's the wrong guy to ask me about getting rid of. Upton is a beast. What are the cats? (Marc Normandin)
2008-04-29 14:00:00 (link to chat)J.Upton - sell high for 08?
(George from STL)
Justin Upton rules! You guys are going to hurt his feelings. (Marc Normandin)
2008-04-25 15:00:00 (link to chat)Can you think of any analogue to Justin Upton's performance right now. A-Rod was similarly dominant at age 20, but other than him, does this have any parallel?
(bam022 from Chicago)
Tony Conigliaro hit 24 homers and .290/.354/.530 for the 1964 Red Sox as a 19 year old, which is pretty much the gold standard for teenage success for a hitter. Mel Ott (.322/.397/.524, 16 HR) also had a great Age 19 season. Those two would be a good start.

Homers aren't the only way to look at this obviously, but rather than worry about the number of plate appearances, I just did a quick list of the best single season hitter performances ranked by homers at B-Ref: http://www.bb-ref.com/pi/shareit/RmaC (Jay Jaffe)
2008-04-17 13:00:00 (link to chat)How good can Justin Upton be this year? I know he's projected to be an MVP-caliber player at some point in his career, but the kid's only 20 now! When was the last time we saw a MVP-type season from a 20/21 year old hitter?
(astein from Boston)
Bill Simmons made a comment yesterday -- actually he was citing a friend's e-mail -- about LeBron James, in which he asked this friend what LeBron James's upside was and the friend said "he doesn't have one". That's sort of how I feel about Justin Upton. I don't necessarily think that he's likely to be an MVP candidate this year. But given his combination of pedigree and prodigy -- it's certainly *possible*. (Nate Silver)
2008-04-17 13:00:00 (link to chat)If Tim Lincecum and Justin Upton aren't 1 and 2 on your most valuable commodities list consider your system broken.
(ChrisLDuncan from Ames, IA)
People were saying that about Jose Reyes at this time last year. (Nate Silver)
2008-04-01 14:00:00 (link to chat)For power hitting this year: Justin Upton or Adam Jones?
(poludamas from Cambridge)
Honestly, that's pretty much a wash for me -- I think both will hit 18-22. (Kevin Goldstein)
2008-03-25 14:00:00 (link to chat)i have to start 3 out of swisher, victorino, c young, j upton, milledge and hermida who should it be
(jphan44 from boston)
Depends on the kind of league you're in, but Swisher should be a definitely; his swing--from both sides of the plate--is *perfect* for the Cell. Play wait-and-see with Upton and Milledge; ideally, you're in a keeper league, because Justin Upton's not going to have a breakout campaign. (Christina Kahrl)
2008-03-11 12:00:00 (link to chat)Is it possible that Justin Upton is a little undervalued going into this season? i.e., is Upton *more* ready to mash than he is thought to be? What kind of season do you envision for the kid?
(Humphrey from Phoenix, AZ)
In fairness, there's a little Cameron Maybin here, in that Upton was kind of rushed to the majors to cover a problem for a team in contention. He has more experience and had more success at higher levels than Maybin did, but I'm not convinced he's ready to be an MLB right fielder at 20. Love him, love his upside, think his slipping #5 in the NASA draft was criminal, but just not excited about '08. (Joe Sheehan)
2008-03-07 13:00:00 (link to chat)PECOTA seems to think Justin Upton is ready right now. I understand that in terms of potential, we are probalby talking about one of the better prospects of our time, but do you actually think he is capable of pushing 20/20 at twenty years old? He looked really over-matched last year against the breaking stuff.
(Matt from St. Paul)
The 20/20 numbers aren't the ones I'd be worried about with Upton. If he has a bad year, it'll probably be because he hits .245 or something. (Nate Silver)
2008-03-05 13:00:00 (link to chat)With Adam Jones ripping up Spring Training who do you think puts up better numbers this year, him or a scuffling Justin Upton?
(Joe from NY)
Meh, pitchers don't really have it together at this time of year, and hitters have to get their swings in before they get going. I don't pay much attention to spring training stats, honestly. (Marc Normandin)
2008-01-29 16:00:00 (link to chat)I'm trying to get a read on Justin Upton for the 2008 fantasy season. What is your prediction for his numbers for 2008? Griffey Jr. circa 1989? Or 1990? Neither?
(tommybones from brooklyn)
I hope to write a little about Upton in one of my upcoming columns. The short answer is this: it's very rare for a hitter to reach the majors on merit before the age of 20 and NOT turn put together a Hall of Fame, or at least a multiple-All-Star, career. I don't think Upton's ready to duplicate Griffey's sophomore season yet - Griffey might have been the most precocious hitter of my lifetime, him or A-Rod. But I think Upton could push a .500 slugging average this year, albeit with poor plate discipline. (Rany Jazayerli)
2008-01-29 16:00:00 (link to chat)How would you rank these young outfielders (real baseball) for 2008: Lastings Milledge, Justin Upton, Chris Young, Jermida Hermida. Also, what's your brief, chat-level take on Eric Walker's latest work?
(Will Brown from Dolores, Colo.)
Wow, I love all four of those guys. Hermida is one of My Guys (copyright Joe Sheehan), a guy who has already proven he can pound major league pitching and is just 23 (okay, he turns 24 tomorrow). And I think Young's walk rate will jump this year and he'll be an elite-level centerfielder.

I'll rank them Hermida/Young/Upton/Milledge, but there's not much gap between the first three. And Milledge is not chopped liver either.

I think Walker has a point. We just don't have strong evidence that steroid use leads to performance improvement. Unfortunately, we may never have that evidence one way or another, because we'll never know with complete accuracy which players were juicing and which ones weren't. (Rany Jazayerli)
2008-01-28 13:00:00 (link to chat)Hey Bryan, how do you rank the following crop of young stud outfielders as to their career peaks - Bruce, Justin Upton, Rasmus, Jones, Maybin?
(dtimmeny from NYC)
Upton, Bruce, Jones, Rasmus, Maybin. Not a slight against anyone, I think they will all be pretty good. (Bryan Smith)


BP Roundtables

DateRoundtable NameComment
2010-04-05 09:30:00Season Opener RoundtableJason Heyward versus Justin Upton is one of the arguments I'm looking forward to the most over the next decade. So. Good. (Marc Nomandin)
2009-10-15 17:00:002009 NLCS Game One (Phillies/Dodgers)Quite legit. .268/.373/.506, 36 homers, 20/23 steals, plus defense - that's a pretty great season. Our sortable WARP, which doesn't have a position sort function and seems to be using a different version of FRAA than is on our DT cards has him at 7.8 WARP, ahead of Ethier at 6.9 and Justin Upton at 5.1. (Jay "Werthless" Jaffe)
 

PITCHf/x Hitter Profile

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