When Tigers general manager Al Avila sent Justin Upton to the Angels, it was a move that would be hailed as a stroke of excellence. Upton — the Tigers' most tradable commodity at the August deadline — had performed admirably throughout the season, silencing lingering doubts in the minds of Tigers fans regarding his ability to play. The former first overall selection was on board a sinking ship, though, and his efforts were wasted on a club that met the bittersweet fate of being the worst team in baseball.
In exchange for the outfielder, Detroit received a pitcher named Grayson Long.