It had been reported earlier this week free-agent B.J. Upton would look to make a decision on where to sign this week and the latest report could indicate it will be the Atlanta Braves. According to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN, the Braves and Upton have entered serious discussions on a multi-year contract.
BJ Upton in serious talks with #braves on mulityear deal, source says
At 28 years of age, Upton is one of the top free-agent players available this offseason, and has been pursued by the Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Nationals. Those two teams, among others, would need to focus their efforts on other free-agent outfielders, such as Michael Bourn and Josh Hamilton.
The former No. 2 overall draft pick in 2002 batted .246/.298/.454 with 28 home runs and 31 stolen bases in 633 plate appearances last season with the Tampa Bay Rays. Upton declined the one-year, $13.3 million lingual offer from the Rays, meaning Tampa Bay will receive draft pick compensation once Upton signs elsewhere.