PBR - The Phillies and Braves appear to be the frontrunners to land free agent centerfielder B.J. Upton, according to several published reports.
The 28-year-old plans to make a decision this week, Marc Topkin reported in Sunday’s Tampa Bay Times.
Upton batted .246 with 28 home runs, 31 stolen bases and a .752 OPS last season in Tampa Bay. His
best season came in 2007, when he hit 24 home runs with a .300 batting average
and an .894 OPS.
Upton is believed to be looking for a five-year deal worth somewhere near $75 million. Phillies officials, including manager Charlie Manuel, met with him earlier this month.
The Nationals and Giants have also been linked to Upton.
- Patrick Gordon is the editor of the Philadelphia Baseball Review. Contact him at pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com or @Philabaseball on Twitter.
