Padres Rumors: Justin Upton Open To Long-Term Deal With Padres?

In the Padres bonanza of a week, they landed another power bat in outfielder Justin Upton. Upton has just one year left on his deal at $14.5 million for the 2015 season. The Padres gave up four prospects to get him, knowing they run the risk of not having him back after 2015. Could they get rid of some of that risk before spring and sign him to an extension? The answer is yes. 

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With control over Wil Myers and Matt Kemp for the next few seasons, locking up Upton would certainly help their long term plans of building a championship contender.

Upton is just 27 years old and is entering his prime. Last year, he had a .270/.342/.491 line with 29 homers and 102 RBI. If he puts up those kind of numbers at Petco he could cash in big time after the season.

A.J. Preller made an unexpected move to get Upton to San Diego. It would be an even better move if he could keep him long term as a huge building block to a contending puzzle.