ANGELS ADD SLUGGING OF JUSTIN UPTON
The Los Angeles Angels acquired outfielder Justin Upton from the Detroit Tigers for pitcher Grayson Long and a player to be named later.
What does it give the Los Angeles Angels
The Halos are right in the thick of the American League Wild Card race, so adding Upton's power bat could be a difference-maker down the stretch. He will provide some protection in the batting order for Mike Trout and Albert Pujols. Upton may opt out of his deal after this season, so this move may merely be a rental.
What does it give the Detroit Tigers
The Tigers might have ended up with nothing had Upton opted out of his contract this winter, so they did well to proactively send their starting left-fielder to the Angels. In Long, the Tigers add a big right-hander with pretty good upside. The 23-year-old has been impressive in 23 starts at Double-A Mobile this season.
Fantasy impact
The addition of Upton to the Angels' batting order could help both Trout's and Pujols's respective fantasy values on top of his own (though Trout needs very little help, since he may already be the best fantasy option in baseball). The deal could also help Detroit outfielders Mikie Mahtook, JaCoby Jones, Alex Presley and Andrew Romine on a short-term basis.
