It seems that for the last few months or so, Arizona Diamondbacks slugger Justin Upton has been the topic of trade talks. There was a possibility that he was going to be moved at the Non-Waiver Trade Deadline back in July, but nothing was ever done. Now, however, there might be a move made. Kevin Towers, the Arizona Diamondbacks general manager, said today that while it is unlikely that a trade is made, the 24-year old is not untouchable. A few hours ago, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports suggested that from what he heard from sources, is that Upton's likelihood of being traded was "80-20," that the Diamondbacks are actively shopping him, and that the no-trade list that he had, consisting of the New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Cleveland Indians, and Boston Red Sox, has since changed.
With all of that said, let's take a look at some possible destinations that could fit both the needs of those teams, as well as possible needs that Arizona could get in return for the career .278 slugger.
Boston Red Sox: The Red Sox said goodbye to Carl Crawford earlier in the season and might say hello to Justin Upton this offseason. While there might be several teams that have a better chance of hopping on Upton, the Red Sox definitely do need an outfielder. Jacoby Ellsbury might be let go by the Red Sox after the end of next season, as he does plan to be a free agent after the 2013 season, all signs seem to indicate. The Arizona Diamondbacks do need a shortstop, and with Julio Iglesias, a young prospect that the Red Sox have, at that position, they might give the Diamondbacks what they need. Whether or not they intend on trading him is left to be determined, but I can definitely see Boston as a possible landing spot.
Philadelphia Phillies: The Phillies were reportedly going to be a landing spot for Upton as the trade deadline approached, but talks of a deal were later swatted. Still though with Shane Victorino gone, and the likelihood of him being brought back somewhat diminished, I wouldn't be surprised if Ruben Amaro, Jr. tried to pull something to get him. The Phillies offense, no doubt, has taken a big hit in the last few years. They once had arguably the best lineup in all of baseball back in 2008 and 2009, but they have lost many pieces due to injury, age, and trades/free agency. Justin Upton could be a solidified spot in the lineup and Philadelphia has been desperately needing a corner outfielder, since it seems that Dominic Brown isn't working out. The Phillies, I think, can definitely be contenders for Upton for that reason.
New York Yankees: Whenever a superstar is on the mend, it seems fitting to placate the New York Yankees as "frontrunners," or at least contenders to nab him. I personally am doing this for that reason, but it seems like the most unlikely of all the cases. The Yankees have made it clear that they are trying to trim their payroll this offseason, and bringing in a guy who has a pretty hefty contract that stretches into the 2015 season might not be the best way to do that. The Yankees though, do need a corner outfielder since they are expected to say goodbye to Nick Swisher this offseason, and it's in question of whether or not Ichiro is going to be back too. Though, according to the New York Post, the Yankees are not in on him for budget concerns, as I alluded to. They're a longshot, but I'll still keep them in the mix.
Texas Rangers: As if the Texas Rangers need more offensive firepower right? Well, with Josh Hamilton most likely not going to be back since, according to the AP's Bob Nightengale, the Orioles and Mariners are his strongest suitors, they could certainly need a power bat in the middle of their lineup. Mike Napoli also will not be returning to Texas, so that may give the Rangers reason to flirt with the 24-year old slugger. Texas certainly has the ammunition to pull off a deal, since the likes of Elvis Andrus and Jurickson Profar are assets that Arizona would most definitely want since they would be filling needs that they have. However, as just reported by Jon Heyman, Jon Daniels might be unwilling to part with Andrus and or Profar, so chances of a deal might have already snuffed out. I will say though that there probably still remains a chance, at least, because you never know what a swift negotiation could do.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Much like the Phillies, the other team from the Keystone State tried to make a maneuver for Justin Upton, but talks were stifled before anything could get done. The Pittsburgh Pirates, to say the least, are starved both offensively and in regards to relevancy. A trade like this could easily get them noticed and finally make them look like a more-than-competent bunch. The Pirates definitely have the ammunition to go all in for the slugger, but, like Texas, it's just a matter of if they're going to make the move and part with the bullets that they have. They were willing to let go of Starling Marte back at the trade deadline but the asking price got larger and the Diamondbacks wanted Gerrit Cole and Jameson Tailion, and that's where the Pirates felt they crossed the line. While I can't say I disagree with them, I think that there still might be some negotiating to do that could put this over the top. Out of the N.L. teams, I think the Pirates definitely have both the firepower and the strongest case to haul in Upton when the dust settles.
Detroit Tigers: Now here is an interesting case. The Detroit Tigers, the defending A.L. champions, aren't bringing back Delmon Young this coming season. With that spot in the lineup gone, the Tigers will need a corner outfielder. With an already Mega-Powers-like (let's see how many of you get that reference!!!) middle of the lineup with Prince Fielder and Miguel Cabrera, adding Justin Upton would be ridiculously good. The Tigers have a couple of pieces in their farm system that could make the Diamondbacks pull this thing off, like OF/3B Nick Castellanos. Amongst the A.L. contenders, only Boston, given the circumstances, could give the Tigers the biggest challenge to acquiring him. It wouldn't shock me if Dave Dombrowski wanted to make another splash in the offseason and plucked Upton away from the Diamondbacks. Frankly, they to me seem the most likeliest.
Wherever B.J. Upton Signs: Wild Card? Perhaps. B.J. Upton, brother of Justin, is going to be a free agent this offseason. Perhaps wherever he lands, they will want to acquire his brother so that they have not just one, but BOTH Upton's? Perhaps. It does seem like the longest shot of them all, but a dream scenario for the Upton family isn't totally out of the question, given the circumstances. Only time will tell.
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