Former Tampa Bay Rays’ outfielder agrees to $75.25 million deal with Atlanta Braves – MLB News
The Atlanta Braves made their first big offseason moves when they offered former Tampa Bay Rays’ centre fielder B.J. Upton a five year $75.25 million contract on Wednesday. According to blogs.ajc.com, Upton has accepted the offer. His $75 million plus contract
is the largest in franchise history for a free agent.
The Rays made the official announcement on Thursday after Upton cleared the conditional medical test. The centre fielder was introduced in a news conference at Turner Field on Thursday afternoon. According to sources, Upton has already changed his Avatar
on his Twitter and Facebook pages, suggesting he is very excited to play for the Braves.
The 28-year-old spent his entire career with the Rays before the Braves made him an irresistible offer on Wednesday. He hit .246 with career best 28 home-runs and 31 stolen bases in the past season. His presence will help the Rays solve their right hand
problems in the middle of the line-up. Braves are expecting Upton to combine with right fielder Jason Heyward so the pair could go 30-30 in home-runs and stolen bases.
Braves’ general manager Frank Wren said in an interview, “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.”
Although the Winter Meetings have still not taken place, the Braves have already filled their biggest need. Earlier, they decided to not to offer a contract to All Start centre fielder Michael Bourn, who was too pricey for the Braves’ liking.
Upton’s five years deal is bigger than Derek Lowes’ previous team record free agent deal worth $60 million for four years. The Rays still have a vacancy in their left field and they are looking to move Martin Prado from left field to third base to replace
the retired Chipper Jones. It will be interesting to see if Upton can post decent numbers in his first year with Atlanta to secure a permanent spot on the Braves’ big league roster.
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