Justin Upton is leaving the National League West and is headed to the American League for the first time after agreeing to a six-year deal with the Detroit Tigers, according to multiple reports.
Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports was first to report the deal. Upton will reportedly sign for $132.75 million upon completion of his physical, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports.
Upton, 28, is a true power-speed threat in the middle of the lineup. In his first season with the San Diego Padres, Upton hit .251/.336/.454 with 26 home runs and 19 stolen bases.
Despite making multiple big-name moves last offseason, the Padres had a disappointing season, going 74-88. San Diego finished fourth in the NL West.
Originally drafted with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 MLB Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks, Upton has been named to three All-Star Game teams, including last season. He has twice posted seasons of 20 or more home runs and 20 or more stolen bases while just falling one steal short last year.
After making his MLB debut at just 19 years old, Upton is a .271/.352/.473 career hitter with 190 home runs and 115 stolen bases.
