Report: Braves discussed 6-year deal with Justin Upton

An offseason removed from trading Justin Upton away, the Atlanta Braves were discussing a reunion with the three-time All-Star before he struck gold in Detroit.

Though no formal offer was presented, the Braves front office had conversations with Upton centered around a reported six-year deal, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, who notes it was for a significantly lower average annual value than the reported six-year, $132.75-million deal he agreed to with the Detroit Tigers on Monday.

"We did speak with Justin's representatives but were unable to find something that worked for both sides, and we wish him the best in Detroit," Braves general manager John Coppolella told Rosenthal. "We remain both opportunistic and disciplined in the trade and free-agent markets.”

Rosenthal believes the focal point was that Upton and first baseman Freddie Freeman would form the core of the team long-term.

Upton spent two seasons with the Braves before they began their current rebuild by dealing him to the San Diego Padres last winter, along with Aaron Northcraft, in exchange for minor leaguers Max Fried, Dustin Peterson, Mallex Smith, and Jace Peterson.