San Francisco Giants: How They Can Contend in 2016

Sign Justin Upton

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

Justin Upton is a player the Giants want opposed despite the fact they’re not a team he wants to play for. Upton has openly stated that he does not care for AT& T Park as his numbers have been diminished playing there as a member of the visiting team. Being 28 and having a big power stroke, Upton will be expecting a deal where he receives a big pay day and possibly be one of the highest paid outfielders this offseason.

In 2015, Upton came over from the Atlanta Braves in a major haul by the San Diego Padres that offseason. But Upton signed a one year deal to land a bigger deal in 2o16.

Upton should be a player of interest, but he is a guy who has never turned the corner. The one factor though, could be the fact that the teams Upton has played for have never been in contention for a deep playoff push — and haven’t really reached the playoffs at all.

Going to the Giants with arguably the best coach in baseball today — and quite possibly in the conversation as an all time great — there may be a change in production from Upton.

In San Diego, there were a ton of moves made by the team, but they lacked a sense of unity and chemistry. As a result, they went on to firing their manager Bud Black, and Upton had one of his worst seasons since being in the league. Hitting a tick over .250, Upton still provided 26 home runs, 19 stolen bases, and 85 runs scored.

Entering the prime of his career, Upton has to determine if he wants to focus on just the contract and his numbers, or produce and try to help a team win the big prize — a World Series. Upton has above average defense and would fill left field just nice.

Between Upton and Yoenis Cespedes, Upton for the age and health has more of an upside, and Bruce Bochy apparently approves of Upton.

But Upton must decided if it’s worth it for him to suck it up to play in a park you generally don’t like for a team that’s had a tremendous amount of success — to the tune of three titles in six years.

Next: Jake McGee