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5 Detroit Tigers Storylines To Follow After Justin Upton Signing

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Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Earlier this week, the Detroit Tigers signed Justin Upton to a reported six-year, $132.75 million deal, which takes one of the last remaining big-name outfielders off the market. Here are five Tigers storylines to follow in the aftermath.

5. Where Is Upton Batting?

Where Is Upton Batting? Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Although Upton was primarily a middle-of-the-order bat with the San Diego Padres last year, he will find that part of the lineup a bit crowded in Detroit due to the presence of Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez and J.D. Martinez. Upton's power, base-running ability and .352 career OBP could make him an attractive option out of the No. 2 spot, but it remains to be seen.

Although Upton was primarily a middle-of-the-order bat with the San Diego Padres last year, he will find that part of the lineup a bit crowded in Detroit due to the presence of Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez and J.D. Martinez. Upton's power, base-running ability and .352 career OBP could make him an attractive option out of the No. 2 spot, but it remains to be seen.

4. Who Is The Odd Man Out?

Who Is The Odd Man Out? Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Prior to the signing of Upton, it appeared that the Tigers were going to use a combination of Anthony Gose, Cameron Maybin, Tyler Collins and Mike Aviles to cover center and left field. With Upton now in left, it seems likely that Gose and Maybin will split the center field duties. Considering that the Tigers just signed Aviles to a one-year deal and also figure to carry another utility man in Andrew Romine, it appears that someone such as Collins may now have a hard time grabbing a spot on the 25-man roster.

Prior to the signing of Upton, it appeared that the Tigers were going to use a combination of Anthony Gose, Cameron Maybin, Tyler Collins and Mike Aviles to cover center and left field. With Upton now in left, it seems likely that Gose and Maybin will split the center field duties. Considering that the Tigers just signed Aviles to a one-year deal and also figure to carry another utility man in Andrew Romine, it appears that someone such as Collins may now have a hard time grabbing a spot on the 25-man roster.

3. Is The Lineup Too Right-Handed?

Is The Lineup Too Right-Handed? Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
With the addition of Upton, the Tigers are left with just one left-handed hitting regular in switch-hitting (Victor) Martinez. Yes, Gose and Collins are left-handed hitters, and the Tigers will have a switch-hitter on the bench in Romine and most likely another one in Jarrod Saltalamacchia, but they are still extremely thin in the area of left-handed pop. It will be interesting to see how often tough right-handed pitching will be able to silence this lineup.

With the addition of Upton, the Tigers are left with just one left-handed hitting regular in switch-hitting (Victor) Martinez. Yes, Gose and Collins are left-handed hitters, and the Tigers will have a switch-hitter on the bench in Romine and most likely another one in Jarrod Saltalamacchia, but they are still extremely thin in the area of left-handed pop. It will be interesting to see how often tough right-handed pitching will be able to silence this lineup.

2. Will J.D. Martinez Still Get An Extension?

Will J.D. Martinez Still Get An Extension? Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Over the offseason, the question of whether or not the Tigers will be able to extend slugger (J.D.) Martinez is a subject that has come up among many fans. It will be very interesting to see if and how the Upton signing has any impact on the team's ability to lock up Martinez. The 28-year-old slugger is under team control through the 2017 season.

Over the offseason, the question of whether or not the Tigers will be able to extend slugger (J.D.) Martinez is a subject that has come up among many fans. It will be very interesting to see if and how the Upton signing has any impact on the team's ability to lock up Martinez. The 28-year-old slugger is under team control through the 2017 season.

1. Are The Tigers Done Making Moves?

Are The Tigers Done Making Moves? Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
After making yet another splash, it would certainly appear that the Tigers are done making big moves at this point. However, with spring training still a few weeks away, it would hardly be shocking to see GM Al Avila make a few more tweaks here and there before the team reports to camp.

After making yet another splash, it would certainly appear that the Tigers are done making big moves at this point. However, with spring training still a few weeks away, it would hardly be shocking to see GM Al Avila make a few more tweaks here and there before the team reports to camp.

Brad Faber is a writer for RantSports. Like him on Facebook.
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