DETROIT -- The Detroit Tigers announced today that the club has agreed to terms with outfielder Justin Upton on a six-year contract.
"After closely following the free-agent outfield market throughout the season, we're excited to add Justin to our club" said Al Avila, Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager. "Justin can hit for power, gets on base, scores runs, and provides us with another productive bat in our lineup."
Upton, 28, hit .251 (136x542) with 85 runs scored, 26 doubles, three triples, 26 home runs, 81 RBI and 19 stolen bases in 150 games with the San Diego Padres in 2015. Upton, who was named to the National League All-Star Team for the third time in his career, was one of five players in the majors to finish the season with 85-or-more runs scored, 25-or-more doubles, 25-or-more home runs and 15-or-more stolen bases.
In nine seasons at the major league level with the Arizona Diamondbacks (2007-12), Atlanta Braves (2013-14) and San Diego Padres (2015), Upton is a. 271 (1175x4329) career hitter with 694 runs scored, 234 doubles, 35 triples, 190 home runs and 616 RBI. Upton was selected to the National League All-Star Team in 2009, 2011 and 2015 and was named a Silver Slugger in 2011 and 2014. He was named the National League Player of the Month in May, 2009 and April, 2013 and has been named National League Player of the Week three times in his career.
A native of Norfolk, VA, Upton was the No. 1 overall draft pick by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2005. As a senior in 2005 at Great Bridge High School, Upton was named the Gatorade High School Player of the Year, a USA Today First-Team All-American and a Baseball America High School All-America, while also earning Virginia Player of the Year accolades. Upton currently resides in Scottsdale, AZ, with his wife, Ashley, and their daughter, Sydnee.
To create room for Upton on the 40-man roster, the Tigers have designated the contact of infielder Jefry Marte for assignment.
Upton will wear jersey number 8 for the Tigers.