The Arizona Diamondbacks announced on Wednesday that they have reached a settlement with outfielder Justin Upton. The contract extends for six years and is valued at $51.25 million, making Upton one of the youngest players with a millionaire deal. The deal is the second largest in franchise history.
With just two seasons in the MLB, Upton will receive a $1.25 million signing bonus, receiving half on April 15 and the rest a few months later, on July 15. His salary will be $500,000 this year, then skyrocket up to $4.25 million next year, $6.75 million in 2012, $9.75 million in 2013, $14.25 million in 2014 and $14.5 million in 2015. The deal covers three arbitration years and two free agency years. Upton will be just 28 when he becomes a free agency player.
The new Diamondbacks player has stated that he understands the responsibility of playing under such terms at his young age, but has said that he will give his best to become one of the best players in the MLB.
"This is something you dream about. For it to come true, it really hasn't sunk in yet,'' Upton said. "My parents have definitely been a special part of my life to get me to this point. It's definitely a special day. I'm glad they could be here. I know they're as happy as I am.''
His parents were standing beside him during the press conference. They acted as a strong support for the young star, who has said that he is eagerly awaiting the start of the regular season.
Upton has been seen as a rising star since he began in the minors. Both he and his brother, BJ, faced high expectations from the media and scouts; indeed, BJ was selected as the No. 2 pick in the 2002 MLB draft and currently plays for the Tampa Bay Rays. But Upton did even better; he was selected as first pick overall, by Arizona, in the 2005 draft.
The Diamondbacks are pleased with the deal they signed with Upton; management has claimed that the young star deserves even more.
"We view him as a core player, one of our key pieces," general manager Josh Byrnes said, "and as we view the next six years the kind of guy we want to build around."
The Diamondbacks haven’t signed such a deal since 1999, when they signed a $52.4 million, four-year contract with Randy Johnson. Byrnes explained that the franchise is willing to pay up to maintain young talent on the team. He does not regret the deal with Upton.
Upton began playing baseball at a very young age. In his first season as a professional, he played for the Class-A South Bend Silver Hawks. In 2007, he began with the Class-A Advanced Visalia Oaks, but after hitting .341 and making 5 homeruns, he was able to move on to the AA Mobile Bay Bears.
The same year, after right fielder Carlos Quentin was injured, Upton was called to play in the Major Leagues. In his rookie season, he finished with 2 homeruns, 11 RBIs, 2 stolen bases, and a .221 batting average; he also helped lead the D-backs to the NLCS. Although Upton began 2009 with a lackluster start, he managed to earn his first All-Star berth after he hit .300, with 26 homers and 86 RBIs.
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