B.J. Upton likely played his last game in a Tampa Bay Rays uniform Wednesday, as the centerfielder will hit the free agent market after the quiet period ends on Day 6 after the conclusion of the World Series. Where will he play in 2013? Will the Rays make a qualifying offer to receive draft pick compensation?
To receive a draft pick when Upton signs with another club, the Rays must tender an offer that is equal to the average salary of the 125 top salaries in baseball, which is more than $10 million. It may actually behoove Upton to take a one-year contract somewhere and try for a big year and hit the open market again next year, but it doesn't appear that Tampa is going to be where he lands.
The Rays can move Desmond Jennings to center and fill the corner outfield spots via trades or free agency, though they aren't likely to spend significant money.
Upton could be a fit in Washington, Texas, with the Cubs in Chicago or Boston, where WEEI.com's Alex Speier writes that the Red Sox could trade Jacoby Ellsbury and replace him with Upton. The Braves could also be a fit for Upton as Michael Bourn is also a free agent, and the Reds could consider Upton, Bourn, Shane Victorino and perhaps Ellsbury to upgrade from Drew Stubbs, who has not developed as a hitter.
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