F/F SPOTLIGHT: Melvin Upton, Jr.

Melvin Upton (OF, SD) has a career track record that can only be described as an odyssey:  From his initial promotion to the majors as one of the most heralded infield prospects of the 2000s, through a move to outfield and his emergence as a toolsy power/speed fantasy contributor with a first-round ceiling, to his utter collapse as a Brave in 2013-14; the 31-year-old Upton has already seen some extreme peaks and valleys in his career. Now in San Diego, Upton is showing signs of climbing out of his multi-year plate struggles, the depths of which have made him a fantasy pariah for a few years running.

Is there hope for Melvin to make a sustained return to fantasy productivity, or are we witnessing the baseball equivalent of a dead cat...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From Facts & Flukes

Abrams has gotten off to great starts over the last couple of years, only to see them undone by dreadful second halves. Will this year be different? Also, we'll check up on Kyle Harrison, Manny Machado, Michael King, and JJ Bleday.
Aug 27 2026 3:05am
After blasting 29 HR per season in 2024-25, Matt Olson has ramped up the power in 2026. How are the skills? Plus, Raisel Iglesias, Mickey Moniak, Brandon Marsh, and Kyle Leahy.
Aug 26 2026 3:06am
Francisco Lindor returns with a lower BA. Also: Mason Miller, Ozzie Albies, Brandon Pfaadt, Francisco Alvarez.
Aug 25 2026 3:06am
Coming off a huge 2025 season, George Springer has struggled in 2026. Plus, Jackson Holliday, Colt Keith, Josh Hader, and Grayson Rodriguez.
Aug 24 2026 3:08am
Bobby Witt Jr. hasn't quite had a vintage season; is he still an elite cornerstone? Plus Hunter Brown, Cedric Mullins, Zebby Matthews, and Dominic Canzone
Aug 20 2026 3:06am

Tools