In an ongoing series, we'll take a look at possible free-agent and trade targets for the Texas Rangers this winter.
Target: B.J. Upton, CF
Type of move: Free agency
2012 stats: .246 batting average, 28 home runs, 78 RBIs, 31 stolen bases, .298 on-base %
A look at the numbers won't inspire a whole lot of confidence in this prospective move, but Upton is coming off one of the worst seasons of his career and can really only go up from here. He's not a high batting average guy — never has been — but his on-base percentage is usually much higher than it was this season — well into the .300s. He can also give you something that Hamilton didn't do much of, which is steal some bases as he's only failed to reach 30 once in his career (back in 2007). He had a career-high 28 home runs this year and could continue that trend of moving upward in the power department.
To put it bluntly, Upton has loads of ability but can be inconsistent and frustrating, which is basically the same thing Hamilton gave the Rangers throughout his time in Texas while putting up better numbers. But if the Rangers are looking to go spend big money on a pitching free agent like Zack Greinke, there are much worse options out there to run out as an everyday centerfielder than Upton.
