One of the Yankees’ top competitors for an American League wild-card berth just made one of the bigger August trades in recent MLB history.
The Angels, who began Thursday one game behind the Twins for the second wild-card spot and two games back of the Yankees for the first spot, acquired slugger Justin Upton from the Tigers, The Athletic reported.
Upton is slashing .279/.362/.542 this season with 28 home runs. He is fifth among AL hitters in Wins Above Replacement at 4.1.
To make room for Upton in the lineup, the Angels are letting the Astros claim Cameron Maybin on waivers, the Houston Chronicle reported. Maybin is slashing .235/.333/.351 with six home runs.
Adding Upton to the lineup should be a big boost for the surging Angels, who are 18-10 in August and can pair him with a healthy Mike Trout in the middle of the lineup.
While July 31 is the non-waiver trade deadline, teams can make deals through Aug. 31 if a player either clears waivers or is claimed by the team acquiring him. After the Aug. 31 deadline, traded players can’t participate in the postseason.
Upton has four years and $88.5 million left on his contract after this season. He also has an opt-out clause after this season, which The Athletic reported was not a factor in the Angels’ decision to add him.
This move would make the Angels a more formidable foe if they come to Yankee Stadium for the wild-card game. Or it could help the Angels move past the Yankees in the final month of the season.