RADIO
The Detroit Tigers once again made a splash in free agency, signing Justin Upton to a six-year deal worth over $130 million this winter. He will provide yet another power bat to an already potent lineup. Upton brings solid career numbers to a favorable situation in Detroit, and is poised for another solid season in 2016.
Manager Brad Ausmus said in January that Upton will most likely bat either second or fifth in the Tiger lineup this season, which means he will hit before either Miguel Cabrera or Victor Martinez. Either spot should yield positive results in terms of Upton's production, regardless of your views on line-up protection. With a career OBP of .352, Upton will be on base and in position to score frequently ahead of some very solid run producers. Upton is no slouch in terms of run production himself, having averaged 27 HR and 84 RBI over the last three seasons.
Any time a player moves to Comerica Park, there's a potential for a drop-off in HR numbers, but Upton's career numbers in two-base hits make him a legitimate threat in Detroit even if those HR totals do go down. Upton is certainly worthy of an early look in your upcoming fantasy draft.
