Justin Upton could find home with Minnesota Twins

The Los Angeles Angels made the surprising decision to designate Justin Upton for assignment prior to the start of the season, ending a disappointing and injury plagued run with the organization. Instead of hoping to salvage something from the final year of his contract, the Angels ended up eating $28 million as Upton was another high dollar deal that did not work out.

But Upton may have a new home soon. According to reports, the Minnesota Twins have checked in on the former Angels’ outfielder as they look to solidify their outfield.

Minnesota Twins reportedly eyeing Justin Upton

Such interest does make sense. Max Kepler and Alex Kirilloff are both left handed hitters, so the Twins do need a right handed complement in the outfield. Likewise, Upton’s struggles for most of the past few years have come against right handed pitching, making him the perfect candidate for a platoon situation.

Upton did struggle overall in 2021. He posted a disappointing .211/.296/.409 batting line in his 362 plate appearances, although he did hit 17 homers and 12 doubles. However, this did mark the fifth consecutive season that Upton’s OPS decreased.

He was competent against left handed pitching. Upton posted a .225/.355/.483 batting line in 107 plate appearances against lefties last year, hitting seven homers. While he certainly is not worth the $28 million he was due to receive from the Angels this year, Upton is worth a look for a team in need of a right handed bat in the outfield.

That is the position that the Twins find themselves in. They need to add another right handed bat with the outfield a particular area of need. Upton may not be the player he once was, but having his still powerful bat as an option could make the difference in a few games this season.

The Minnesota Twins are reportedly interested in Justin Upton. He would be the right handed complement they need in their outfield.