The Arizona Diamondbacks have made it known that they are
shopping outfielder Justin Upton this winter, and the Texas Rangers, Boston Red
Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, Atlanta Braves and Detroit Tigers are considered likely
landing spots for the outfielder, while the Pittsburgh Pirates and Kansas City
Royals are “long shots,” reports Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic.
The Diamondbacks are requesting a significant haul in
exchange for Upton, and they’re specifically said to be looking for a young
third baseman, shortstop or front-line starting pitcher.
All of the teams mentioned have at least one of the above
candidates to offer the Diamondbacks. Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus could be
available with Jurickson Profar waiting in the wings. The Rays are said to be
shopping arms, including right-hander James Shields. The Red Sox could offer
young third baseman Will Middlebrooks, while the Tigers have a top hot corner
prospect in Nick Castellanos. The Braves have talented young arms and
infielders, including right-handers Tommy Hanson and Mike Minor and shortstop
Andrelton Simmons.
While the Pirates and Royals are viewed as more darkhorse
candidates, Piecoro notes Kansas City has young third baseman Mike Moustakas
while Pittsburgh could offer a young starter such as James McDonald.
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