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Detroit Tigers: Five Best Transactions of 2016

By Ben Rosener

Aug 8, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers executive vice president and general manager Al Avila before the game against the Boston Red Sox at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 8, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers executive vice president and general manager Al Avila before the game against the Boston Red Sox at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-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 /

Signing Justin Upton

Justin Upton’s first handful of months with the Detroit Tigers weren’t exactly anything to write home about.

From April 5th through the 18th of August, the slugger accounted for 53 runs scored and just 46 RBI. He only managed 13 home runs while striking out 140 times in 115 games.

However, from the 20th of August through the end of the 2016 season, Upton proceeded to start destroying baseballs.

Over his final 38 games, the left fielder hit .309 with a .397 on-base percentage. Upton also added a 1.162 OPS while madding 18 home runs. During that stretch, he also added 41 RBI and 28 runs scored.

Despite the slow start, Upton tied his career high in home runs, while posting the fourth-highest ISO mark of his career at .219.

If Upton can perform at a level closer to his form down the stretch, the Detroit Tigers will be in an enviable position from an offensive standpoint.

Cameron Maybin’s departure could warrant a return to hitting near the top of the order for Upton.

Next: Tigers Reportedly Add Former All-Star Closer

If the former first-overall pick can continue to obliterating pitches, the Tigers will stand an excellent chance of returning to the playoffs.

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