The Diamondbacks see both the Rangers and Rays as the best fits for a deal for OF Justin Upton, according to Buster Olney of ESPN.
According to Olney, while the Rangers are still unwilling to deal either Jurickson Profar or Elvis Andrus for Upton, they are viewed as the better fit over the Rays.
However, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times believes the Rays have the best package of prospects to offer the Diamondbacks for Upton, although Olney notes that Upton's escalating salary could be an issue for the Rays, considering how they've historically paid their talent.
Michael Baron, MetsBlog.com
There's no denying Upton's talent level. He had a subpar year in 2012 by his standards, but he's young, right-handed, and comes with a combination of both power and speed the Mets badly need. The thing is, if Arizona is looking mostly at position players for a match on a deal, the Mets really don't have anyone at or close to the Major League level that would be attractive to the Diamondbacks. Also, while there's a lot of buzz surrounding Upton being moved this winter, the Diamondbacks don't need to trade him right now, and so they could ask for the moon for him and hope a team bites.That is where the Mets need to be very careful when looking to improve not just with Upton, but with other players they're looking to acquire as alternatives.Previous updates on Justin Upton...
Contract: Upton will earn $9.75 million next season, during which Niese will earn $3 million. Upton's salary bumps up to $14.25 million in 2014 and $14.5 million in 2015, after which he is eligible to be a free agent.
Stats: Upton hit .280 with a .355 OBP and .430 SLG with 17 home runs and 67 RBI and 121 strikeouts in 554 at-bats in 2012.
Reports:
- Nov. 8: The Diamondbacks are interested in acquiring a shortstop for Upton, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.
- Nov. 8: Jon Heyman of CBS Sports said Heyman reports that, while the Rangers are interested in acquiring Justin Upton, they are unwilling to include either Elvis Andrus or Jurickson Profar, making a deal with Texas unlikely.
- Nov. 8: The New York Post's Joel Sherman told WFAN last week he has yet to hear the Mets or Yankees involved in talks with Arizona about OF Justin Upton, who he believes will cost your team three or four players.Nov. 8: FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal said the D-Backs are engaged in active discussions about trading Justin Upton, according to major league sources.
Nov. 5: 'D-Backs GM Kevin Towers is intrigued by the thought of moving Upton and getting a mother lode of talent in return,' according to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick.
