Mariners sign Justin Upton to major-league deal

The Seattle Mariners signed four-time All-Star outfielder Justin Upton to a major-league contract, they announced Saturday.

Upton, whom the Los Angeles Angels released on the eve of Opening Day, will report to Seattle's extended spring training in Arizona. Right-hander Adrian Sampson was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster.

The 34-year-old Upton is coming off a rough 2021 campaign, having hit .211/.296/.409 with 17 homers and 41 RBIs across just 89 games. While he then enjoyed a solid spring training at the plate, the Angels' glut of outfielders left Upton squeezed out. L.A. is still paying his $28-million salary this year minus the portion of the minimum salary he'll earn with the Mariners.

Once he arrives in Seattle, Upton will join another crowded group of outfielders and DH candidates that includes top prospects Julio Rodriguez and Jarred Kelenic, injured center fielder Kyle Lewis, and All-Star Jesse Winker.

Upton, the first overall pick in 2005, is a lifetime .262/.343/.471 hitter with 324 home runs, 1,000 RBIs, and 151 stolen bases across parts of 15 seasons with five teams.