Jim Duquette of MLB Network Radio reports that Justin Upton’s agent, Larry Reynolds, said that his client is open to signing a contract extension with the Padres, but only if it’s done before the start of spring training. Upton is entering the last year of a six-year, $51.25 million contract extension signed with the Diamondbacks in March 2010. He’ll earn $14.5 million in 2015.
Upton, 27, went to San Diego with minor leaguer Aaron Northcraft in a trade with the Braves last week that sent Jace Peterson, Max Fried, Mallex Smith, and Dustin Peterson to Atlanta.
Upton hit 29 home runs and knocked in 102 runs with a .270/.342/.491 slash line in 641 plate appearances last season. He is expected to take over in left field for the Padres.
