Toronto Blue Jays Release Melvin Upton Jr.
By Tim Haberin
After reportedly exploring trade options for the outfielder, the Toronto Blue Jays have released Melvin Upton Jr.
The Toronto Blue Jays acquired Melvin Upton Jr. from the San Diego Padres last July, but the veteran outfielder’s time with the club has drawn to a close. According to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet, the Jays have released Upton on the cusp of Opening Day.
ESPN’s Buster Olney had earlier reported that Upton would not make the Blue Jays roster. Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports added that Toronto was listening to trade offers for the 12-year veteran, with the Tampa Bay Rays and San Francisco Giants as possible fits.
There likely wasn’t a whole lot of interest on the trade market, but that’s hardly surprising given Upton’s recent struggles. He slashed a meager .196/.261/.318 with four home runs, 16 RBI and seven stolen bases after his midseason trade to Toronto. He hasn’t fared much better this spring, batting .194/.216/.472 over 36 at-bats. Upton has, however, popped three homers in Grapefruit League action.
With Upton gone, Ezequiel Carrera will likely see the most time in left field. Dalton Pompey (when he returns from a concussion) and utility man Steve Pearce are also in the mix. Toronto just signed Chris Coghlan, a recent roster casualty of the Phillies, as well.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
Despite Heyman identifying the Giants as a potential landing spot, Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle says the team isn’t interested in adding an expensive fourth outfielder, preferring to roll with Jarrett Parker in left for the moment. However, the Padres are paying the bulk of Upton’s remaining salary in the final year of his deal, which could still make him an option.
The Rays would obviously be a homecoming for Upton; they drafted him second overall back in 2002, and he enjoyed his best years there. Tampa Bay has Kevin Kiermaier, Steven Souza and Mallex Smith slated to fill the outfield to begin the season, with Colby Rasmus expected to return from the DL after a rehab stint. Corey Dickerson is projected to spend most of his time at DH, but can also play left field if needed. Barring another injury, it’s hard to see a place for Upton with the Rays either.
Whichever team takes a chance on Upton will hope he can perform like he did in the first part of 2016, prior to his move to the Blue Jays. In 92 games for San Diego, he slashed .256/.304/.439 with 16 home runs, 45 RBI and 20 steals. Though he’s had a rough spring training overall, Upton has shown he still has some power in his bat with the three homers. And while his days of 40+ steals are well behind him, he can swipe a few to make an impact on the base paths.
Next: Ranking the 30 Opening Day Starters
Per Davidi, the Jays also designated pitcher Mike Bolsinger for assignment, clearing the way for infielder Ryan Goins and reliever Ryan Tepera to make the final roster cut.
Which team do you see as a potential fit for Upton now that he’s been released? Sound off in the comment section below.