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San Diego Padres: A tale of two Upton’s

By Jordan Wevers

Apr 16, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Melvin Upton Jr. (R) is doused by right fielder Matt Kemp (L) after hitting the game winning two run walk off home run to defeat the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-3 in 14 innings at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Melvin Upton Jr. (R) is doused by right fielder Matt Kemp (L) after hitting the game winning two run walk off home run to defeat the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-3 in 14 innings at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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While Justin regresses in Detroit, the San Diego Padres find themselves sitting pretty as brother Melvin Upton Jr. reclaims his form from seasons past.

The brothers Upton have been a curious case study to follow in terms of the contrasting characteristics of two men with the same bloodlines playing the same professional sport in similar capacities. The San Diego Padres know this well, as did the Atlanta Braves.

Now, the Padres and the Tigers are experiencing the ups and downs of Melvin Upton Jr. and Justin Upton, respectively. Though with almost two months gone in the 2016 regular season, one might not have expected San Diego to be the beneficiaries of an offseason that saw them retain Melvin while Justin signed as a free agent in Detroit.

After three straight seasons from 2013-15 where Melvin proved himself barely being worthy of a spot on a 25-man roster, the elder of the two Upton’s has found his swing again, or so it would appear. Melvin posted a combined batting average of .209 over those three years between Atlanta and San Diego with a collective WAR of -0.6.

The 31-year-old is now proving that a re-birth in major league baseball is possible. Through his first 45 games this year, he’s slashing .266/.341/.442 with six home runs, 19 RBI and nine stolen bases.  Melvin actually leads the Padres in WAR with a mark of 1.7, including a 3.4 UZR in left field, ranking him third best at the position.

Apr 17, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Detroit Tigers left fielder Justin Upton (8) talks with home plate umpire Rob Drake after being ejected in the seventh inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Detroit Tigers left fielder Justin Upton (8) talks with home plate umpire Rob Drake after being ejected in the seventh inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Meanwhile in Michigan, in a more favorable hitter’s park with more talent surrounding him in the lineup, brother Justin is looking like more like Melvin circa 2014. Detroit is paying him $22.125MM this season. What’s it getting them? For outfielders in the American League with at least 100 plate appearances, a 44th ranked OPS of .589. Justin is easily making more money than he ever has in his career and he is easily off to the worst start of his career.

Only two home runs and an AL leading 66 strikeouts makes things even more dire for Justin. His -0.5 WAR right now is dead last on the Tigers. So that means names like Steven Moya, Andrew Romine and Tyler Collins are more productive hitters right now on the Tigers’ 40-man roster.

But back to Melvin, who is playing now like brother Justin was in any of his three pervious All-Star worthy campaigns. Few would have predicted this reversal of fortunes between the two. Brad Ausmus would appreciate the offensive and defensive output of Melvin in his left field spot over Justin right now.

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The Padres probably are not in a place to win this year. Melvin is slated for free agency after the 2017 season. He could be dangled as trade bait come the July deadline if he continues to produce. Justin on the other hand, may have one of the more un-tradable contracts in all of baseball right now if things persist. His terrible start is rapidly turning into a forgettable season.

The San Diego Padres should consider themselves lucky given the Upton’s and their circumstances. Justin has two fewer strikeouts than Melvin has total bases in 2016. Justin also has eight more walks than Chicago’s Jake Arrieta does and five more RBI than St. Louis’ Adam Wainwright. Yet his 166 at-bats is four and a half times the combined number by Arrieta and Wainwright.

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For this season, the brothers Upton are apples and oranges. Though they share the  same last name, parents and positions on the baseball field this season, the two have been fundamentally different. And no one will say the Padres are complaining.

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