The Mariners announced Saturday that they have signed four-time All-Star outfielder Justin Upton to a one-year Major League deal.
Upton, 34, has played for five teams during his MLB career, with his latest stop being with the Angels from 2017-21. He has won three Silver Slugger Awards throughout his 15-year career, during which he has a .262 average with 324 home runs and 1,000 RBIs. He was released by the Halos prior to the ’22 season.
The move comes after Seattle optioned outfielder Jarred Kelenic, a former top prospect, to Triple-A Tacoma on May 13.
Upton provides the Mariners with a proven power bat in the outfield or at designated hitter, two areas where they have struggled offensively. Their outfielders have combined for a slash line of .219/.288/.327 with nine home runs, while their DHs have a .142/.250/.312 line with six home runs. Upton also put in some work at first base with the Angels during Spring Training earlier this year, but he’s never appeared there during a regular-season game.
Upton will report to extended spring training in Arizona before joining the big league club.
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