After trading speedy OF Cameron Maybin to the Houston Astros earlier in the day, the Anaheim Angels made a bold move to bolster their lineup for the Wild Card race. Detroit Tigers OF Justin Upton was traded for minor league pitching prospect Grayson Allen.
Currently sitting .5 games behind the Minnesota Twins with a 69-65 record Anaheim was able to improve their offensive considerably by picking up Justin Upton yesterday. Upton has been playing well this year with a .279/.368/.572 triple slash and 28HRs. His power has improved recently hitting 10HRs during the month of August as well.
Upton should slide into the number 3 spot in the order giving Mike Trout further lineup protection. Lead off hitter Ben Revere has been hot lately hitting .364 over the last time weeks adding in 3 stolen bases. Given their similar skills sets it is easy to see why Cameron Maybin was deemed expendable.
Minor league pitcher Grayson Long included in the deal was ranked the #9 prospect in the Angels system. He was recently promoted to the Angels AA affiliate, pitching well with a 2.69ERA over 133 2/3 innings.
The final piece is Upton's existing contract with 4 years and $85.5M remaining. He also has an opt-out clause that could make him a free agent after the season. The Angels are hopeful a push to the playoffs will make Upton want to opt-in for the remainder of his contract and play with Trout.