Why Justin Upton Just Wasn’t Worth It for the Seattle Mariners

Sep. 29, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Justin Upton (10) stands at bat during the game against the Chicago Cubs in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports

Ultimately, Justin Upton had put the Seattle Mariners on his no-trade list, so his prospects of becoming a Mariner were really low. When Upton was traded to the Atlanta Braves, his package consisted of:

• Seven players were involved.
• The Arizona Diamondbacks received Martin Prado, Randall Delgado, Zeke Spruill, Nick Ahmed, and Brandon Drury.
• The Atlanta Braves received Justin Upton and Chris Johnson.
• Upton’s contract is good from 2010 until 2016 when he will become a free agent. The remaining contract time is for $38.5 million dollars.

That’s a pretty expensive trade. Sure, if the Mariners had been able to pull it off, they might not be scrambling to figure out who exactly will wind up on that 40-man roster for opening day. But carrying out Upton’s contract may have broke them. This way, too, he is able to join his brother on the same team. Playing with his brother was also probably part of the appeal for him to be cool with the Diamondbacks-Braves deal.  (more…)

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