Atlanta Braves choose B.J. Upton for right field – MLB News Update
Former Tampa Bay Rays’ outfielder B.J. Upton spent most of his first few days as an Atlanta Braves talking optimistically about the future. However, after he finished talking about his future, it was evident there was some looking back as well.
There is no denying the fact Upton is extremely pleased and excited about his next season in Atlanta. On Wednesday last week, he signed a five year $75.25 million contract with the Braves. His contract is the largest in franchise history for a free agent
player. There are plenty of other reasons why Upton will be happy about his current situation.
Throughout his Major League Baseball career, he played for the Rays. However, after he became a free agent at the end of 2012 season, he wanted to test the open market. What Braves offered him was simply irresistible.
Rays, on the other hand, knew they will not be able to retain Upton with their low budget. They made him a qualifying offer of one year $13.3 million, required for draft pick compensation. Upton signing somewhere else looked inevitable and that is exactly
what happened. In an introductory press conference on Thursday, Upton said he is not holding any grudges and would always love to think of his time in Tampa Bay.
In a press release announcing the signing on Thursday, Braves’ general manager Frank Wren said, “B.J. is an outstanding defensive player who also adds the power dimension to our offense from the center field position. We have been working to increase the
speed and athleticism across our team and B.J. gives us another young, dynamic player.”
Upton, who is expected to play right field for the Braves, hit .246 with career best 28 home-runs and 31 stolen bases in 2012. In addition to being a solid hitter, he is an excellent defensive player. Braves are hoping that he will combine with right fielder
Jason Heyward to solve their right field problems.
So far, this is the biggest move the Braves had made this offseason. It will be interesting to see if they acquire other players in the Annual Winter Meetings.
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