F/F SPOTLIGHT: Justin Upton

This month marked the 10-year anniversary of massive expectations attached to Justin Upton (OF, SD). Back in 2005, the Diamondbacks made Upton the first overall selection in that year's amateur draft. Some 18 months later, in the 2006-07 off-season, BaseballHQ.com assigned Upton a rare 10E prospect rating, projecting him to have Hall of Fame-type potential. Here is the scouting report that accompanied that grade:

Strengths: Plus athleticism/plus speed (3.9). Bat speed/power/BA ability. Plate discipline. Arm strength. Range
Weaknesses: None
Comments: Plus athlete with the power, speed, and defense necessary to be an impact player. Performance was less than expected and never got into any kind of hot streak. Took well to CF, showing...

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

Hunter Brown solidified his status as a frontline starter in 2025. Plus, Ryan Pepiot, Gleyber Torres, Kyle Manzardo, and Jonathan India.
Feb 12 2026 3:05am
Injuries may have temporarily cost Iván Herrera his catcher eligibility, but his work at the plate in 2025 was terrific—can he repeat his breakout season? Plus, Jakob Marsee, Cade Horton, Bryan Reynolds, and Hurston Waldrep.
Feb 11 2026 3:08am
Brice Turang added home runs in 2025. Also: Logan Webb, Nico Hoerner, Jesús Luzardo, Xander Bogaerts.
Feb 9 2026 3:07am
What happened to George Kirby? We examine the skills and metrics for Kirby, George Springer, MacKenzie Gore, Spencer Torkelson, and Bailey Ober.
Feb 3 2026 3:06am
Is Acuña Jr. still worthy of a first round pick? Plus, Spencer Strider, Matt McLain, Graham Ashcraft, and Victor Scott II.
Feb 2 2026 3:02am

Tools