MLB free agents 2016: Justin Upton still wants long-term deal, agent says

Travis Durkee

MLB free agents 2016: Justin Upton still wants long-term deal, agent says image

Major league teams don't seem to be clamoring for high-end power bats, but that isn’t diminishing Justin Upton’s desire for a long-term contract.

"We are not considering shorter-term deals at this time. The goal has been and will continue to be a long-term contract for Justin Upton," Upton’s agent, Larry Reynolds, said Friday (via MLB.com).

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Earlier reports Friday said that Upton may be satisfied with accepting a one-year deal this offseason and then testing the market again after the 2016 season. That could pay off if he continues putting up top-end offensive numbers, but it looks like he doesn’t want to take that risk and wants to cash in sooner rather than later.

Upton, at just 28, is an enticing addition. He had a .251/.336/.454 slash line, 26 home runs and 81 RBIs in his 2015 All-Star season (his first season with the Padres). Still, other quality outfielders such as Yoenis Cespedes and Dexter Fowler are still on the market.

The Orioles reportedly consider Upton a backup plan if they can’t re-sign Chris Davis.

Travis Durkee