One prominent MLB player is sounding off on the Los Angeles Angels’ decision to pull the plug on the Justin Upton era.
The Angels decided this week to designate the four-time All-Star Upton for assignment. Upton was in the final year of a five-year deal with the team.
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Andrew McCutchen reacted to the news by calling out the Angels. McCutchen noted Upton’s strong numbers in spring.
“Guy hits 2 bombs with 6 rbis and then this? Sheesh,” tweeted the former NL MVP McCutchen.
While Upton was indeed having a rock-solid performance in Cactus League play this spring, those were only exhibition contests. McCutchen must not have been paying attention to the overwhelmingly negative asset that Upton had been during games that actually mattered over the last several seasons. The last three years combined, Upton hit just .211 with a .713 OPS. Thanks to various injuries, he also appeared in only 194 out of 384 games (50.5 percent) for the Angels.
With Taylor Ward (28), Brandon Marsh (24), and Jo Adell (22) lurking as better corner outfielders, and reigning AL MVP Shohei Ohtani essentially locked in as the Angels’ full-time DH, Upton (34) became the odd man out. On the bright side though for McCutchen and anybody else sore about the move, the Angels now have to eat a lot of money thanks to the Upton DFA.
Photo: Aug 15, 2021; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels left fielder Justin Upton (10) takes the field for the game against the Houston Astros at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
