Atlanta Braves: Melvin Upton Jr. should be Good Fourth Outfielder Option

After listening for any offers on Melvin Upton Jr., the Toronto Blue Jays gave up on their quiet phones. Now that he’s free to pursue other teams, he should consider a move back to Atlanta.

Reports are in that the Toronto Blue Jays have opted to release outfielder Melvin Upton Jr. as no suitors bit on the potential trade piece. With no takers, he’s been released. Time for the Atlanta Braves to pay attention.

The Jays decided on shopping Upton the last couple of days for any sort of package that would take him off their hands. He is now available for any team to come in and nab him for a league minimum salary.

“Bossman” is in the last installment of a five year, $75 million contract he signed with the Atlanta Braves back in 2013. Since then, his play has regressed far below what he seems to be capable of. The Braves unloaded Upton Jr. and his disaster of a contract onto the San Diego Padres on the eve of the 2015 season at the cost of all-star closer Craig Kimbrel.

The former top prospect has hit just .218 since signing that big free agent contract. He still offers good defense in the outfield, some power, and speed on the base-paths. Though he hasn’t hit well in the last four seasons, he’s still a value to a team needing a fourth outfielder. This is where Atlanta comes in.

The Braves released their 25 man roster today.

Emilio Bonifacio is the club’s fourth outfield option after a strong showing in the spring. In 23 games, Bonifacio hit .278/.361/.370, with a home run and two doubles. The Braves didn’t have many strong options for an extra outfielder to begin with, and so he got the nod. The 31 year old outfielder has never offered any power in his 10 year career, slugging just .335.

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With Upton Jr. being released, he’s a cheap option for Atlanta to set up a reunion. The Padres are on the hook for $11.45 million of this year’s salary, while the Blue Jays cover roughly $5 million. Upton’s price tag would come in at a smooth 500k. Bonifacio will earn a figure in the same ballpark.

While the salaries are comparable, the play is far different. While Upton Jr. would be a comparable defender, Bonifacio will strike out much less and hit for a better average. He owns a career .258/.315/.335 slash compared to Upton Jr.’s .243/.321/.402.

What Upton Jr. would bring to Atlanta first and foremost is depth. The Braves have Micah Johnson on the DL for now, Adam Walker stashed in Triple-A Gwinnett, and Dustin Peterson as an option when he returns from surgery in the latter half of the season. They have options, yes. They aren’t a great deal better than what Upton would play, though as far as overall offensive value.

The signing would also make sense considering the Braves are carrying three catchers. Having Kurt Suzuki, Tyler Flowers, and Anthony Recker on the roster seems like a move with an eye more for what Recker brings to the bench in his offense. Aside from Recker’s hitting, there is no clear reason for Atlanta to be carrying these three players. Upton would solve the bench bat problem as well as the spare outfield problem.

Melvin Upton Jr. may not have his heart in the game, but he still has tools that can play. In 149 games in 2016, he slugged 15 doubles, three triples and 20 home runs. He also stole 27 bases. He played with a glove that saved 10 defensive runs, while committing three errors. For a league minimum price, Upton Jr. is a deal.

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Atlanta Braves fans will meet this idea with a groan initially. It’s understandable considering what Upton Jr. cost the organization, along with the pain of seeing him strike out seemingly every other AB. He doesn’t have a strong track record in ATL, but this is a move that comes with almost no expectations and absolutely no risk. Save your breath for a worse move.