As the Arizona Diamondbacks currently boast the second-worst record in the National League, they could opt to bolster their lineup by reuniting with a former player of theirs.
As noted by the New York Post’s Jon Heyman, the Diamondbacks have put forth consideration into signing current free agent and former Los Angeles Angels outfielder Justin Upton.
The Angels designated Upton for assignment ahead of the 2022 season. Upton subsequently cleared waivers, as no team opted to claim the veteran outfielder and his due $28 million salary for this year. The Angels officially released him on April 8, and while he has been linked with teams such as the Minnesota Twins, he remains a free agent.
Heyman does add that the 34-year-old outfielder has “given consideration to retiring.”
Upton signed off on a five-year deal with the Angels in 2017. After a promising 2018 campaign where he recorded 30 home runs and 85 RBI, his production dwindled over his final three years in Anaheim. He did not play in at least 80 percent of regular season games and also hit under .220 in each of those seasons. And even though he hit .333 and notched three home runs in spring training, team general manager Perry Minasian still elected to release him to pave the way for Jo Adell and Brandon Marsh to take hold of the corner outfielder spots.
With David Peralta and Pavin Smith’s slow start to the campaign coupled with the designated hitter being in play in the National League, one sure can not count out the possibility of Upton rejoining the Diamondbacks.
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