Breaking down the LA Angels line-up for 2018

Another Big Bat – 3rd Spot

When the Angels made the move at the end of August they not only had the present in mind, but the future.  Justin Upton was not acquired to be a late-season rental, and after the Angels negotiated a contract extension for him that will keep him in Angel red for the next five seasons, this became a reality.

Upton was a fringe MVP candidate in 2017 who won the Silver Slugger Award as well as being up for a Gold Glove as well in left field.  Upton hit .273 with 35 homers and drove in 109 runs while stealing 14 bases and scoring 100 runs.  Upton also had a .361 OBP as well.  Not a bad year for a guy who played most of the season on a last place team.

For his career Upton has a .269 average with a .348 OBP.  He has hit 256 homers and drove in 812 runs with 138 stolen bases.  Add that to the Angels line-up which is suddenly very potent and you have a recipe for success.