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Detroit Tigers: Ranking All 17 of Al Avila’s 2016 Acquisitions

ByBen Rosener|
Sep 30, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Francisco Rodriguez (57) and left fielder Justin Upton (8) celebrate a victory against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. The Tigers defeated the Braves 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Francisco Rodriguez (57) and left fielder Justin Upton (8) celebrate a victory against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. The Tigers defeated the Braves 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
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Detroit Tigers
May 3, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Detroit Tigers left fielder Justin Upton (8) hits a single during the fourth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

2. Justin Upton

WAR: 1.4

OPS: .775

wRC+: 105

wOBA: .329

ISO: .219

Justin Upton very well could have taken the top spot on this list. However, the Tigers simply had a greater need at the position that the top player on this list plays at.

Still, Upton had a solid first season in Detroit, despite suffering through a dreadful slump to begin the year.

From Opening Day to August 18th, the former first-overall pick was hitting just .226 with a .281 on-base percentage, 13 home runs and 46 RBI in 115 games.

Then he started destroying baseballs.

In just 38 games from August 20th through October 2nd, Upton went on a tear, mashing 18 home runs and driving in 41 runs while hitting .309 with a robust .397 on-base percentage.

Hitting 18 home runs every 38 games probably isn’t sustainable for an entire season, but the hot streak gave Tigers fans a glimpse of just what Justin Upton can bring to a baseball team from an offensive standpoint.

If he can continue his fine run of form into next season, there’s no reason to believe he can’t improve on the 31 home runs and 87 RBI he hit during the 2016 campaign.

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