Detroit Tigers: 10 Players Least Likely to be Traded

#10 Justin Upton

Age: 29
Position: Left Fielder
Controllable Through: 2021* (Upton can opt out of his contract after 2017)
2016 Stat of Note: .219 ISO

Signed last season to beef up Detroit’s offense, Justin Upton initially struggled to do just that.

Over his first 99 games in a Tigers uniform, the slugger batted just. 236 with a below-par .296 on-base percentage. What’s more, Upton only collected 46 RBI, 20 doubles and 13 home runs while striking out 124 times.

While the outfielder’s strikeout total left much to be desired, Upton recovered with a torrid stretch run.

The former first-overall pick mashed 18 home runs to go along with 41 RBI over his final 37 games of the season. That stretch saw Detroit post a 22-15 record.

Why the Detroit Tigers Won’t Trade Upton

Upton’s contract may simply be too much of a burden to move.

It may have been different story in terms of a potential trade had the ex-Padre not struggled so mightily to begin the year. However the reality is that Upton may be sticking around in Detroit.

What’s more, Upton’s contract also includes some trade protection.

Per Spotrac, the veteran also has a no-trade clause that includes 20 teams each season.