The Angels will now have seven days to either trade Upton or place him on irrevocable outright waivers. The 34-year-old has one year and $28 million remaining on his five-year, $106 million contract with the Halos, who will be on the hook for that money if no team trades for the slugger or claims him off waivers.
The Angels made a similar move last season when they designated Albert Pujols for assignment. Pujols, who was in the final season of a 10-year, $240 million deal, went unclaimed and was released before signing with the Dodgers.
Selected first overall by Arizona in the 2005 MLB Draft, Upton played for the D-backs, Braves, Padres and Tigers before the Angels acquired him from Detroit in a 2017 trade. Upton signed a five-year deal with the Angels after the 2017 season.
In 15 big league seasons, Upton has hit .262 with 324 homers, 1,000 RBIs and an .814 OPS, including 75 homers and a .764 OPS over 366 games with the Angels. He’s also the active career leader in strikeouts by a hitter, with 1,948.
The decision to DFA Upton could clear a path for former prospects Jo Adell and Brandon Marsh to see regular playing time alongside Mike Trout in the Angels’ outfield. Taylor Ward is also in the mix.