The Atlanta Braves had plenty of explanations for the move, claiming they wanted a reliable center fielder and that they wanted to add a right-handed bat to their primarily left-handed lineup.
While the Braves can try and justify their sudden spending spree in any way they choose, the contract the gave Upton does prove one thing to Cardinals fans.
Matt Holliday's contract, once again, looks cheap.
Holliday is currently in the midst of a seven year, $120 million contract that ends after the 2016 season. That is an average annual salary of $17.14 million per year.
When you compare that salary to Upton's $15.05 annually and factor in the the production of each player, Matt Holliday absolutely looks like a tremendous value.
In 2012, Holliday hit .295 with 27 home runs and 102 RBI during a year that was perceived by many as a "down" year.
Meanwhile, Upton had a career season while hitting just .246 with 28 dingers and 78 RBI.
Sure Upton plays a more demanding defensive position, but there is no chance that Upton deserves the type of money Matt Holliday receives. Upton simply does not put up the same type of production.
Upton's contract is the second of which in recent seasons that makes Matt Holliday's deal look like a bargain.
Prior to 2011, the Washington Nationals gave Jayson Werth a seven year, $126 million contract.
Werth hit .300 in 2012, but played in just 81 games while hitting only five home runs. Holliday, once again, is clearly a superior player and is better value for the money.
Cardinals fans may get frustrated with Holliday's spells of futile production and inconsistency, but they should not forget how lucky they are to have him.
General manager John Mozeliak did a great job in securing Matt Holliday to such a reasonable contract and Cardinals fans should feel lucky to have him at such a fortunate price.
