Detroit Tigers: Justin Upton is a better long-term fit than J.D. Martinez

CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 07: J.D. Martinez #28 of the Detroit Tigers congratulates Justin Upton #8 after Upton hit a three run home run in the 2nd inning against the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field on September 7, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

3 of 3

SEATTLE, WA – JUNE 20: Justin Upton #8 of the Detroit Tigers is congratulated by teammates after hitting a solo home run off of starting pitcher Ariel Miranda #37 of the Seattle Mariners during the second inning of a game at Safeco Field on June 20, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /

Money

Heading into the offseason, Martinez will hit free agency. Per Spotrac, he’s making $11.75 million this season.

This is all purely speculative obviously, but it seems like the outfielder will be in for a hefty pay raise given his elite offensive ability.

Upton, meanwhile, is making $22.125 million this year according to Spotrac. If he opts into the rest of his contract, he’ll be making that same rate per year for the next four seasons.

Obviously if he opts out, he’ll reach free agency, but there’s at least somewhat of a known factor in terms of what Upton’s salary could be moving forward.

If he continues to hit in the middle of Detroit’s lineup and provide solid defense and base running, $22.125 million seems a perfectly reasonable rate for Upton.

Over course, the Tigers could conceivably end up keeping both outfielders.

Money due to Mike Pelfrey, Mark Lowe and Francisco Rodriguez will come off the books, and Anibal Sanchez is another potential free agent should Detroit decide to buy out the last year of his deal.

In other words, there might be some extra cash to play with.

Next: See where recent draft picks Alex Faedo, Rey Rivera, Sam McMillan,Joey Morgan rank among Tigers' top 20 prospects

However, if the Detroit Tigers have to pick between one of the two, they should go with Justin Upton due to his better all-around play.