While Al Avila wanted to make small tweaks to increase the offensive production of the Detroit Tigers, owner Mike Ilitch wanted serious improvement.

Ilitch desired Justin Upton and told his general manager as much.

"And then he gave me the straight order, basically, to get it done," Avila said.

The Tigers gave Upton a six-year, $132.75 million deal. The contract includes an opt-out clause in 2017 and comes in at an average annual value of $22.125 million.

"What sold me was Mr. Ilitch," Upton said, describing him as a man who "wants to win ballgames, wants to win championships."