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It is rare that a player of Justin Upton’s caliber is still on the free agent market this late in January. However, thanks to a saturated market that includes a lot of outfielders available through trade, the market for Upton has yet to fully materialize. There are rumors every now and then, but no team has seriously pursued Upton which is kind of surprising. There have been flirtations but no date yet. That will change and teams will start to get involved, especially if Upton, who is still just 28, decides to settle for a one-year deal and hit the market again next year when he might be the best free agent in a weak class. Regardless, here are five likely landing spots for Upton in 2016.
5. Seattle Mariners
Credit: Jake Roth-USA Today Sports5. Seattle Mariners
Will the Mariners spend on Upton is the real question. If they decide to go for it again with a core of Robinson Cano and Nelson Cruz, then adding Upton makes a lot of sense. Right now their outfield consists of Seth Smith, Leonys Martin and Nori Aoki, hardly the most stellar group. Upton is better than all of them. The question is, will Seattle invest a high dollar amount in another player after being burned in recent years on the free agent market?
4. Baltimore Orioles
Credit: Jake Roth-USA Today Sports4. Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles actually have money to spend, as evidenced by the contract they offered Chris Davis. They have a need for both offense and pitching, and Upton would be an excellent addition to a team that could certainly use his bat, especially if Davis doesn’t return. As of right now they are showing mild interest, but that could pick up fairly soon.
3. Chicago White Sox
Credit: Getty Images3. Chicago White Sox
The White Sox are showing some interest in Upton and fellow free agent outfielder Yoenis Cespedes. They look poised to contend in 2016, and adding Upton would increase their chances of making some noise this season. This is a move the White Sox almost have to make if they are really serious about contending.
2. Texas Rangers
Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports2. Texas Rangers
The Rangers don’t want to commit long term to anyone right now. That doesn’t mean Upton isn’t a fit. It seems Texas has made their interest known on a one-year deal, so if Upton isn’t satisfied with the offers out there he could choose to take the deal from Texas and hit the market again next year.
1. Washington Nationals
Credit: Getty Images1. Washington Nationals
The Nationals are a bit of a wild card, but they somehow make sense. We all know they are looking for an outfielder, because Jayson Werth can’t stay healthy and center fielder Michael Taylor is a bit raw. Upton makes a ton of sense here, especially since the Nationals are determined not to repeat the disappointment from last year. He isn’t an ideal fit but he would work, and the Nationals are still determined to win a World Series.
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