Tigers reportedly land free agent OF Justin Upton

A person with knowledge of the deal says the Detroit Tigers have agreed to a $132.75 million, six-year contract with free-agent outfielder Justin Upton.

Earlier in the offseason rumors suggested the Detroit Tigers were done spending big after making a flurry of moves.

Bob Nightengale reported that the deal is done.

Upton, who is expected to play left field, will join a Tigers team that is looking to win now. They now have Tyler Collins and Anthony Gose patrolling left field for them. He helped with free agency signings of Prince Fielder, Victor Martinez, Pudge Rodriguez, Magglio Ordonez, Johnny Damon and more over the years. Upton’s agreement takes away another viable option for Cespedes, who remains on the market with dwindling options.

The Tigers reportedly weren’t planning to sign another big name free agent due to their financial flexibility, but they apparently had a change of heart and made a decision to land a big name in Upton. He has five times hit at least 26 home runs in a season and five times stolen at least 18 bases, while simultaneously falling short of some expectations he would be a generational talent.

The addition of Upton propels the Tigers further into the World Series discussion.

Last year for the San Diego Padres, the 28-year-old Upton hit.

Detroit finished a dismal 74-87 previous year, finishing in last place in the American League Central.