Call to the pen
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Seattle Mariners taking chance on Justin Upton

By David Hill

Mar 21, 2022; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Angels outfielder Justin Upton against the Kansas City Royals during spring training at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 21, 2022; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Angels outfielder Justin Upton against the Kansas City Royals during spring training at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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It was a matter of time until Justin Upton found a new home. The former Angels’ outfielder had generated some interest on the trade front before he was released, but he refused to waive his no-trade clause unless he was heading to a contender. Otherwise, he was content to sit home, collect his paycheck, and wait for the right situation.

Enter the Seattle Mariners. They have a need for help in the outfield and were expected to contend at the start of the season. That combination has led to a signing, as Upton has agreed to a major league deal for the rest of the 2022 season.

Seattle Mariners hoping Justin Upton can help lineup

The Mariners are off to a disappointing start to the 2022 season, their 17-24 record far worse than expected for a team with postseason aspirations. As it is, the Mariners are hoping that a return to health and getting players to return to their previous numbers will make a difference and allow them to rocket up the standings.

Those injuries and performance issues extend to the outfield. While Julio Rodriguez has been solid, Jesse Winker has been a disappointment. Mitch Haniger is on the Injured List, leaving the Mariners to shuffle between Adam Frazier, Steven Souza Jr., and Dylan Moore in the third outfield spot. That is less than an ideal situation for any team, let alone one with the high hopes that the Mariners had.

At the same time, it is fair to wonder what Upton has left. He has fallen off since the start of the 2019 season, producing a .211/.299/.414 batting line with 38 homers and 25 doubles in his 784 plate appearances. While there is still some pop in the bat, that may be all that Upton would have to offer.

Even that may be enough for the Mariners. They could use some more pop in the outfield, especially after Jarred Kelenic was sent back to the minors. Maybe they can catch lightning in a bottle and Upton can be that piece they need until their outfield is healthy once again.

Next. Five questions with Jonatan Clase. dark

The Seattle Mariners are taking a chance on Justin Upton. Considering the state of their outfield, they have nothing to lose by giving him a look.

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