Agent: Goal for Justin Upton still long-term deal

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Saturday, February 20, 2016

The agent for free-agent outfielder Justin Upton says his client isn't interested in a short-term contract this offseason.

Agent Larry Reynolds said that Upton continues to seek a longer-term deal even as the free-agent market dwindles and spring camps open next month.

"We are not considering shorter term deals at this time," Reynolds said in a statement. "The goal has been and will continue to be a long term contract for Justin Upton."

Sources told ESPN's Jim Bowden that the 28-year-old Upton has been offered low-ball, short-term offers from both the Chicago White Sox and the Los Angeles Angels.

The Angels are currently only $4 million from having to pay a luxury tax, andowner Arte Moreno has said he doesn't want his team to go over it. The White Sox, who finished last in home runs in 2015, already have added Todd Frazier and Brett Lawrie this offseason.

The outfield free-agent market lost two key players this week with Alex Gordon re-signing with the Kansas City Royals and Denard Span leaving the Washington Nationals for the San Francisco Giants.Yoenis Cespedes and Dexter Fowler are, along with Upton, the biggest names still available.

Upton hit .251 with 26 home runs and 81 RBIs last season for the San Diego Padres. A three-time All-Star, he previously played six seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks and then two with the Atlanta Braves.

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