The San Diego Padres are unlikely to re-sign outfielder Justin Upton, according to Corey Brock, the Padres beat writer for MLB.com.
In his first, and perhaps only, season with the Padres, Upton has hit .251/.336/.454, leading San Diego with 26 home runs and 19 stolen bases in 150 games.
Upton came to the Padres in a December trade for a group of prospects highlighted by second baseman Jace Peterson and pitcher Max Fried. The 27-year-old is likely in for a big pay day this season as he is a free agent.
Upton's 2015 numbers are, however, a tick down from what he did in his two seasons with Atlanta when he hit .267/.348/.478 with an OPS+ of 129, compared to his 120 OPS+ in San Diego.
Not re-signing Upton would be yet another failure in general manager A.J. Preller's plan to contend in 2015 and the near future, not only did San Diego fail to make any noise this season, they also failed to move Upton's expiring deal at the trade deadline as they were already out of the hunt.
It remains to be seen what Preller's plans after 2015 will be, though if re-signing Upton is not in the cards, it could hit and San Diego looking to rebuild.