Angels’ Justin Upton ‘increasingly likely’ to opt out, become free agent

Angels outfielder Justin Upton’s decision to opt out of his contract and test free agency this offseason is “increasingly likely,” according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network.

Upton has not made his decision public yet. Upton has three days following the conclusion of the World Series to decide to exercise his opt-out clause.

Morosi says that by opting out, the 30-year-old veteran can use this as a way to negotiate “more favorable terms” on a new deal with Los Angeles. Morris added that Upton “enjoyed playing” for the Angels, his fifth team in 11 seasons in the majors.

After being traded by the Tigers on the final day of the waiver deadline, Upton finished with one of his best seasons. The four-time All-Star posted career highs in home runs (35), RBI (109) and OPS (.901) while also hitting .273 and playing in over 150 games for the sixth time in his last seven seasons.

Morosi says Upton’s availability “would influence” free agent and former teammate J.D. Martinez, who was traded to the Diamondbacks at the non-waiver deadline. The 30-year-old Martinez had a monster season with both the Tigers and Diamondbacks, smashing 45 homers with 104 RBI while slashing .303/.375/.690 in only 119 games.