BJ Upton Contract: A Deep Dive into the Controversial Deal
Hey there, baseball fans! Today, we're diving headfirst into one of the most talked-about contracts in recent MLB history – the controversial BJ Upton contract. So, grab your popcorn, and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and bj upton contract.
The BJ Upton Contract: A Brief Overview
In December 2012, the BJ Upton contract sent shockwaves through the baseball world. The Tampa Bay Rays, in a surprising move, signed Upton to a five-year, $75.25 million deal. The contract included a vesting option for a sixth year, which would have made it a six-year, $90.75 million deal if exercised. But why was this contract so controversial? Let's break it down.
The Enigma of BJ Upton
Before we dive into the contract details, let's talk about BJ Upton himself. A former top prospect, Upton was known for his five-tool potential – he could hit for power, run, throw, and field, and he had a strong arm. However, his career had been a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows. He had shown flashes of brilliance, like his 2007 and 2008 seasons where he hit over .300 with 20+ home runs and 20+ stolen bases. But he had also struggled with consistency and injuries.
So, when the Rays signed him to this massive contract, many were left scratching their heads. Was this a genius move by Tampa Bay, or were they setting themselves up for a major bust?
The Contract Breakdown
Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of the BJ Upton contract. Here's a year-by-year breakdown:
- 2013-2017: Upton was set to earn $15.5 million per year. - 2018 (vesting option): If Upton had 800 plate appearances in 2017, the Rays would have had to pay him $15.5 million in 2018. If not, the option would have become a mutual option with a $2 million buyout.
The contract also included a no-trade clause and no-doubt clauses for the vesting option, giving Upton significant control over his future.
The Aftermath: A Tale of Two Contracts
The BJ Upton contract has often been compared to another controversial deal of the time – the Shin-Soo Choo contract. Signed around the same time, Choo's deal was also five years, worth $130 million, but with a seventh-year option. While Choo's contract has been widely panned, Upton's has been seen as a relative bargain.
Here's why:
- Upton's Production: Despite the Rays' expectations, Upton never fully lived up to his potential during this contract. He hit over .250 only once (in 2014) and never came close to his 2007-2008 power-speed combo. However, he was still a valuable player, providing solid production and good defense in center field. - Choo's Production: Choo, on the other hand, has been a disaster. He's hit under .250 in three of his five seasons, and his power and speed have both declined sharply.
So, while neither contract was a home run, the BJ Upton contract looks like a steal compared to Choo's albatross.
The Legacy of the BJ Upton Contract
As we look back on the BJ Upton contract, a few things stand out:
- The Rays' M.O.: Tampa Bay has always been known for its shrewd, often unconventional, moves. The Upton deal is a classic example of this. They took a chance on a high-risk, high-reward player and, while they didn't get the superstar they hoped for, they still got a solid contributor at a reasonable price. - The Risks of Long-Term Contracts: The Upton and Choo contracts serve as stark reminders of the risks of long-term deals. Both players were in their early 30s when they signed their contracts, and both have seen their skills decline significantly. - The Importance of Context: When evaluating a contract, it's crucial to look at the context. The Rays were coming off a season where they won the AL pennant with a payroll under $70 million. They were looking to keep their window of contention open, and signing Upton was a way to do that.
The BJ Upton Contract: A Final Verdict
So, what's the final verdict on the BJ Upton contract? It's complicated. On one hand, Upton never lived up to his potential and never came close to justifying the $75.25 million the Rays spent on him. On the other hand, he was still a valuable player, and the Rays got him at a relative bargain.
In the end, the BJ Upton contract is a fascinating case study in the risks and rewards of long-term deals, the importance of context, and the Rays' unique approach to baseball. It's a contract that, love it or hate it, will always be a part of MLB history.
And there you have it, folks! Our deep dive into the BJ Upton contract. We hope you found it enlightening and entertaining. Until next time, keep your eyes on the ball!