3 Justin Upton destinations if LA Angels get out of contract

The LA Angels owe Justin Upton $28 million for 2022. That's a lot of money for any player, but Upton in particular due to him not quite earning that level of salary in his time with the Halos. Upton has battled injuries ever since 2019, and hasn't been able to stay on the field, or be able to play fully healthy even when he's out there.

There is one thing Upton has been able to do when he's been out there, however, for his whole Angels career. That's hit the long ball. In 366 games with the Angels, he's hit 75 home runs. That's 33 home runs per 162 games. If a team is desperate for home run power, they could take a chance on trading for him once this lockout (hopefully) ends.

After all, it's not like the Angels have no holes on their roster. A trade for pitching would be much appreciated. I'm a believer in Upton's performance when he's healthy (check his month before he got hurt last year), but if we can acquire some sure-fire pitching in the bullpen for him, that would be a safer bet than banking on Upton staying upright in 2022.

No. 3 Justin Upton destination if LA Angels get out of contract: Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates could potentially be interested in bringing in Justin Upton due to the fact that he has home run power that their outfield doesn't have. Their outfield combined for just 65 home runs last year, which was tied for the fifth-lowest in the Majors.

While the Pirates don't typically spend a lot, this big contract would only be for one year, and perhaps they could get more juice out of Upton due to this being a contract year.

No. 2 Justin Upton destination if LA Angels get out of contract: Colorado Rockies

The Colorado Rockies are about as desperate for home run power in their outfield as anyone, and therefore the LA Angels could try to sell them Justin Upton. Of course, this could be a longshot. All three of these destinations could be long shots because this is a giant contract for someone who hasn't been durable enough to deserve it.

But the Rockies' outfield somehow hit 10 less homers than the Pirates did, and finished with the fourth-least home runs hit by outfielders in all of baseball. They are in Coors Field, but can't hit home runs? Well, the fences in Coors are pushed back to prevent the place from being a straight home run factory, so the high altitude doesn't have as significant of an impact on home runs as many think.

That being said, it's still a hitters-friendly park and should result in more than 55 home runs from three positions combined. Perhaps they'd be willing to give Upton a shot in a prove-it contract year if they have the money to. If they do bring back Trevor Story, however, they very likely wouldn't entertain that price tag at all.