Detroit Tigers: Breaking down the Justin Upton trade

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BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 05: Justin Upton #8 of the Detroit Tigers celebrates with Nicholas Castellanos #9 after hitting a two-run home run in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 5, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) /

Detroit Tigers outfielder Justin Upton is no longer with the team as he’s been dealt to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Here’s a breakdown of the trade.

Detroit Tigers fans have seen one of the team’s best performers depart in a trade.

Outfielder Justin Upton is headed to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in an August trade.

The Tigers announced the move in a tweet on the team’s official Twitter account on Wednesday afternoon.

Detroit tweeted:

"“The #Tigers today have acquired RHP Grayson Long and a PTBNL or cash considerations from LAA in exchange for OF Justin Upton.”"

For a player to be eligible for a team’s postseason roster, he must be with the organization prior to the start of September. This is likely why the trade is happening now.

For the Angels, the ability to add Upton now ensures that he’ll be eligible for the team’s postseason roster should the Halos qualify for the playoffs.

Entering play Thursday, Anaheim is one game back of the Minnesota Twins for the second American League Wild Card place.

Upton has played in 278 games in his Detroit Tigers career, mashing 65 doubles and 59 home runs. The outfielder also added 181 RBI, 162 runs scored and a .833 OPS.

He’s been on a tear this season for Detroit, with a 138 wRC+, a .264 ISO and 28 home runs in 125 games.

The veteran has also added 94 RBI, 81 runs scored and a .379 wOBA. His 2017 OPS currently sits at .904.

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