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Oakland Athletics: Potential Free Agent Targets this Offseason

By Dan Fappiano

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Justin Upton, Left Fielder, San Diego Padres

Aug 26, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Justin Upton (10) rounds the bases after hitting a solo homer against the Washington Nationals during the seventh inning at Nationals Park. The San Diego Padres won 6-5. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

While fans may not be too happy about an Alexi Ramirez signing, if the team were to bring in a power hitter in Justin Upton the fanbase would surely be ecstatic.

That would be a well earned response as the team has been so devoid of home runs in 2014. Signing Upton would bring the long ball back to Oakland and give the team a real threat in the middle of their lineup.

Over the course of Upton’s nine year career, he has never had less than 15 home runs in seasons when he has played in at least 100 games. Three times, he has hit at least 30 home runs and five times, he has hit at least twenty. He hit his peak in 2011 when he clubbed 39 home runs.

Upton has hit at least 24 home runs the past six years. As of August 30th, he has hit 17 home runs. With more than a month and a half left in the season there is no reason he cannot hit that mark once more.

White Upton has been in the league for nine years, he will be only 28 years old during next years’ season. Adding him to the mix brings a new piece to the A’s core, and adds someone to a budding A’s outfield.

The team already has 28 year old Josh Reddick in right field and 26 year old Billy Burns in center field, so adding Upton would give the A’s one of the better outfields in the AL. If the team is really looking to get back into the playoffs, then having a solid outfield is key.

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    • Bringing Upton in also gives the team a little bit of the look they had when Yoenis Cespedes was on the team. He was the superstar power bat in left field, much like Upton. Bringing Upton in gives the team the old look they had when they were winning games.

    Playing Devil’s Advocate on this ideal signing, one can argue that if the team signs Upton but their pitching doesn’t come together, then it is a waste of money. But if the team somehow fails even with Upton in the fold he makes a great trade chip. The team can always move him at the deadline for prospects if need be.

    Assuming that doesn’t happen, Upton can come in and be that big bat the team so desperately needs.

    Next: Marco Estrada

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