The Diamondbacks don’t seem particularly high on Justin Upton, based the most recent rumors surrounding Arizona's 24-year-old right fielder. Some GMs are convinced Upton will be traded and rival executives say the Diamondbacks aren't sure he's a winning player. Here are the latest rumors regarding Upton, with the most recent updates up top:
- The Rangers have some interest in Upton, MLB.com’s Jesse Sanchez reports (on Twitter). However, it’s doubtful Texas would trade Mike Olt or Jurickson Profar for Upton and the club definitely wouldn’t part with both top prospects in a trade.
Would trading for Upton stop them from signing Hamilton?
I would assume if the Rangers were to swing a deal for Upton, then that could mean they’ll let Hamilton walk. It could also be used spur Hamilton into signing a deal with Texas. However, I could see the Rangers having an OF of Hamilton, Upton, and Cruz. That would be a killer OF!
It would probably prompt them to trade Cruz in the Winter more than it would effect Hamilton negotiations.
so why is this even mentioned? if they wont part with both of their prospects then the DBacks wont send upton to Texas.
Why would a team include the #1 position playing prospect for a guy with motivational issues?
Because the guy with “motivational issues” (which he may not actually have) is a proven, MVP-calibur candidate that is cost controlled and hungry, and also a possible star in the league while Profar, for all ihs accomplishments, and his 99% sure-fire success, is still just a prospect. He still COULD be a bust. And furthermore, he is currently blocked, and could be for some time. If there is no hole for him to fill in the very near future, he actually loses value by staying too long in AAA.
Whenever Profar is ready: Profar to SS, Andrus to 2B, Kinsler to OF. That’s been the stated plan for a while. A guy like Profar is never blocked.
can you please site all your sources for upton having motivational issues.
I’ll wait
I’ll wait = He must still be gathering information.
Pretty Funny….
It’s supposedly the reason the Diamondbacks are even putting him on the table. I didn’t make this up, It’s what D-Backs fans have been saying and the reason management is unhappy with him. I thought that was pretty clear. I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long.
supposedly
what d-back fans have been saying
thats your proof?
I’ve read blogs by people that write for/about the Diamondbacks.
Why does Arizona’s management want to get rid of a guy that’s 24, their former #1 pick, has been an MVP candidate the previous 2 years, and has 3 more years of reasonable team control?
Google it, that’s my proof.
thats not “proof” thats an opinion based nothing really at all.
I’m a D backs fan and I know my opinion is just that. The kid is a 5 tool player for sure no question, but he is a terrible right fielder and he DOES lack in the motivational department……over throwing cut off men, dropping fly balls, dogging it on the base path, zero plate discipline….etc etc. I love the kid through all that and yet I’m torn with dealing him because I still believe he can be a superstar. Can he do it everyday is the problem?
The Dbacks won’t be needing both to make a deal happen. I suspect that negotiations probably STARTED at Profar and Olt for Upton (and maybe a prospect). Obviously, this would be KT shooting for the moon. But the worst that can happen for the Dbacks is that the Rangers say, “No.”
Moving outside of that scenario though, the teams can certainly work a deal with Upton going to Texas for wither of those players and other pieces. It depends on whether or not it is Profar or Olt as to what those other pieces are and whether or not it is just Upton or if it is Upton and prospects.
more then likely yes it would stop them from signing hamilton. upton is due 9 million next year, and 14 million in each of his last two years.
The Rangers have a great system but if you’re not willing to consider one of Olt or Profar – than I don’t see how there’s a deal to be had.
Hamilton will not be back with the rangers with or without Upton.
If they are going to make a move for a outfeilder, he will have to play center.
Leonys Martin is a CFer. And I think you’re wrong.
And your point is???? Yes, Martin plays CF. So what??? He has shown nothing in two small stints with the big league club. True, Martin might be the CF of the future, but I do not think Martin is in the plans this year, given his age/expereince and playoff possiblitites. Considering that the Rangers can add a vet who can play CF, provide insurance for Hamilton, be a bat off the bench, and allow Martin everyday AB’s in AAA. There is simply no need to rush him (or any prospects).
Not saying that it will be Cody Ross, Scott Podsednik, or Jaun Pierre…. But whoever the Rangers add will be closer those caliber of players than Justin Upton or Leonys Martin for that matter….
Hamiltons next contract – No way the Rangers give him a MEGA contract. And that is exactly what he is asking for. He has mentioned it publicly to the media by saying he is not giving the Rangers a discount. So he will take his money and go “Save The World” elsewhere in 2013. Then we might see Martin in CF.
I don’t get the rant. This years OF would be Upton, Cruz, and Hamilton.
Next years would be, if Hamilton leaves, Upton, Cruz, and Martin.
We don’t need to trade for a CF. Hamilton is it this year, and Martin is ours next year.
You said that i am wrong. What am I wrong about? Martin is not going to be playing CF, not this year.
You said we need a CF if we were to trade for any OF spot. We don’t because Hamilton is in CF this year, and Leonys in there next year…regardless of Hamilton’s decision.
Do you not realize we have 8 players who can play the corner OF spots. We have three that are listed as centerfeilders, but that doesnt mean they can play CF on a daily basis.
1 (Hamilton) is the biggiest injury risk since Brandon McCarty and Ben Sheets.
2 (Gentry) hasnt shown he can hit LHP.
3 (Martin) has shown in two small stints that he is not yet MLB ready.
*** And please dont tell me Murphy or Cruz can play CF.
We need a CF.
Martin needs more opportunities. He will be good. I’m not a Gentry fan, or a Murphy fan…especially not in CF. I don’t know why that was even brought up lol.
Hamilton is our CFer. Injury risk is irrelevant.
Irrelevant? I dont know another everyday player with a bigger injury risk. A vet CF who could fill in if needed, be a bat off the bench, and allow Martin to stay at AAA is a huge need for this club. Not the most attractive move. But maybe the most need for this team.
Eitherway – I am out. Been nice discussing it.
Zona wouldn’t be interested w/o Olt
getting upton is overkill. And people accuse the Yankees of “buying championships”. What do you call this?
Upton will not come cheap. It will take more than Texas’ 2 top prospects. Try 4.
Yeah… there’s a difference between “buying” stars with “prospect currency,” and buying stars by being the biggest spenders at the table. One requires you to have a quality minor league organization, the other just requires you to have deep pockets.
Well the only pieces they “bought” was Beltre and Darvish. Most of the others are trades and drafting.
Tex
Sabathia
Soriano
are the only multi-year mega deals free agents.
Cano, Jeter, Arod, Swisher, Grandy, Gardner, Hughes, Nova, Robertson, Mo are all players traded for (incl those extended) or homegrown.
Not comparing the two but your recent history shows you’re spending a lot more like the Yanks than you want to admit.
Don’t try to forget Burnett, he was a big reason the Yanks won it all in ’09.
With the Yankees’ payroll currently at 77 million more the Rangers, you protest too much.
Come on captainjeter,if any other team does this don’t you know that they are only trying to improve!
The funny thing about that is that Texas’ #3 and #4 prospects are typically better than most team’s #1 and #2 prospects….sooooo…no.
Really? We don’t have a 200mil payroll like the yanks, Angels, Phils or RS. Yes we have a high payroll but I expect it to drop next year with Feldman, Hamiltion coming off the books. After 2013 contracts such as M.Young, Cruz are off the books. We hover around 100mil much less than the Yanks, RS etc. Darvish and Beltre are our big free agent signings. Burnett, Soriano, CC, Tex, Kuroda are just a few free agents the yanks have bought recently. Sorry man no team can compare to the RS and Yanks in free agent spending.
I agree I can see a Andrus/Profar, Olt, lower tier guy for Upton.
how is “trading” the same as ‘buying a championship’
ha there is a difference from trading for talent and buying free agents.. come on you don’t even believe what u just said
lol you shouldnt.
Give us Andrus, Olt or Profar plus a catcher and/or pitcher and you can have Upton. COming from a real Dback fan! NL West Champs
Montero is signed for 5 years. No catcher required
Have you seen the splits? Its like he forgot how to hit LHP. Alfaro is 19 so he would be ready to roll when Montero’s contract is done or if Montero keeps up his splits mayb earlier. BTW I’m a huge Montero fan!
We will give you Martin Perez, Leonys Martin, Jorge Alfaro and mayb another prospect. Perez and Martin are Top 100 prospects that seem ready for the ML and Alfaro is your Catcher of the future.
You might – Nobody else will (outside of D-Back fans).
1. D-Backs don’t need Perez. They have pitching.
2. Leonys Martin is not someone that we need to consider giving up considering we could lose Hamilton this Winter.
Decent package Jason… But again, not looking at the needs of the Dbacks. The left side of the field is what the Dbacks need… 3rd, SS, OF Depth, always pitching… So your offer does nothing for the Dbacks
Perez the guy who hasn’t posted a decent ERA or FIP at AAA in the last 2 years? That’s like me suggesting Betances could headline a deal for Upton too.
If you wanted that kind of haul, you should have traded Upton last off season. The Diamondbacks are essentially putting Upton on the market when his value is the lowest. Teams are going to think he’s damaged goods, and the return that AZ gets is going to be limited.
That’s just it, the Dbacks aren’t the ones shopping Upton. The Dbacks, under KT, have a pretty clear policy of fielding offers for any player at any time. KT was asked if this mean Upton was available. His canned response is, “Any deal that makes sense for the team and makes the team better.”
If a team is willing to “over pay for Upton,” then it is KT’s job to do the due diligence and see if it works. If it does, great for both sides. If it doesn’t, then he simply retains his player.
If you don’t believe the Dbacks are shopping Upton you’re fooling yourself. I’d say the odds of Upton not being on the Dbacks roster on Opening Day 2013 are about 95%. Someway, somehow, Upton has fallen out of favor with AZ’s front office. And as their (currently suspended) broadcaster Darron Sutton can attest to, you don’t want to get on Ken Kendrick’s bad side.
then I guess there is no deal to be had in Texas
Kate Upton
i will happily trade justin upton for kate upton
I guess the rangers want to give up gentry for Upton…..Haha
You realize how many really good prospects Texas has, right?
Yea but the D-backs want 3rd base or ss MLB ready players. Olt basically is and profar is one of the best prospects out there. Towers has already hung up the phone if neither of them r in the deal.
Olt I would see in the deal. Profar is off limits in almost any trade…which, like I said, is fine because of everyone else Texas has to offer. There’s Odor, Sardinas, etc..
Rangers will NOT trade Andrus and Profar… think about it for a minute…
Umm olt is 23 and upton is 24 where is the fear of sending olt away when your letting him sit down in the minors cuz hes blocked by someone else. especially since they want another outfielder. 14 mil for the next two years is swing-able for the new ownership if they want to keep hamilton too. they don’t fear breakin the bank…just look at the darvish deal.
I agree. I know that is they did do this trade Olt would be the centerpiece even though they’re reluctant to trade him.
Well, I guess the Rangers don’t want Upton.
Profar would be absolutely essential for there to be any chance of Texas landing Upton. Unless of course they opted to trade Andrus and Olt together. Then of course any hope of a major pitching upgrade would be dead.
If Texas sends Profar, the deal will be almost done. It would likely have to be Profar and some B Prospect for Upton and something similar. A Profar for Upton straight up trade just doesn’t exist, but the teams could probably come to something equitable if they start plugging in various minor prospects. However, Texas has very little motivation to move Profar.
A deal with Olt as the centerpiece would almost certainly get KT to pull the trigger as well. The difference is, KT is liable to want Olt plus other high prospects or, even more likely, Olt plus some big league proven bullpen depth.
KT will ask a king’s ransom for Upton. If he doesn’t get it, Upton will stay put. There is no fire under Arizona to trade him. He’s affordably controlled through 2015, so they could do a LOT worse. But KT is never opposed to doing better when possible.
Agreed. Either Profar or Andrus are going to have to be dealt at some point. I don’t see you getting much better than Upton for a top prospect. I mean, the guys had a couple of MVP type seasons and he’s only 24.
Profar (SS), Andrus (2B), Kinsler (OF)…It’s that simple.
This does appear to be gaining traction….
wrong
It is not the protest,but that only the Yankees buy championships bs
that (captainjeter) is implying i believe.
There is no way this deal will go through the rangers have too many outfielders as it is. Soon as Profar is ready for the majors, they will want Andrus to move to 2nd and Kinsler to go to the OF as well. I don’t know why everyone is going nuts over this.
Because there’s a possibility Hamilton will be gone.
I just wonder how AA is going to get invloved in any upton sweepstakes and end up with a solid controllable pitcher…. no need for upton in jays o/f unless they are not sold on gose.
I’m sure this is a non-story. Daniels asks about every player just like Anthopoulos does.
do you have proof of this?
Seriously – What GM is not going to at least call??? That short conversation was probably followed with another discussion centered around the ARZ weather or a recent golf game.
I’ll bet they would give up Olt. Would Olt, Buckle, Leonys Martin get it done?
I have a feeling the only way this deal happens is Olt plus pitching depth that is MLB proven, or Profar and some other B prospect, or maybe a bench-type that is just congesting the big-league roster. Given that I doubt the Rangers would move Profar, I doubt anything will happen.
KT has stated repeatedly that he isn’t shppong Upton around, but, as is his policy, he’s always willing to listen to offers on any player he controls. I have a suspcion that if Profar isn’t involved, he’ll try to bend the Rangers over on the complimentary pieces to go with Olt. Since the Rangers didn’t get such a nice farm system by over-dealing their prospects, I don’t see anything happening.
I would find a player(s) to replace Martin in that trade.
Try Olt, Perez/Feliz, Buckel/Ramirez, Garcia/Sardinas, Murphy/Gentry
Olt, Perez, a reliever, Gentry & Martin gets it done
rangers should totally do it.
Upton is overrated
Profar may not be blocked but what are the Rangers going to do with Olt, because they have Beltre blocking him.
i’m no baseball analyst, but is Olt much more ready than Matt Davidson. If Matt Davidson is the better prospect, why block him unless the Dbacks think he can’t stick at 3rd.
Davidson is at LEAST another year off, could be as much as two. Olt could conceiveably be plugged in this year if the Dbacks needed. He certainly would be an upgrade over any of the “everyday” 3Bs the Dbacks have run out so foar. Only Roberts has had any success and it has been sporadic.
Feliz, Cruz, Buckel, Scheppers, and Sardinas for Upton. The rangers keep their prospects while the D-backs get two ML players, a fringe bullpen guy who needs polishing, and two prospects.
From what DB fans say they’d want the package focused more on bats. I think that’s a nice package deal, but I doubt they’d want Scheppers. Upton’s stats have been below what even Cruz has produced this season, so I think Cruz would be kept in addition to Upton, then maybe traded in the Winter.
I agree, but at the same time it would be tough to say no on the D-backs end if they are after bats because few guys they could realistically get have as much experience or success (despite the bad season this year) that Nellie has in addition to a proven ML pitcher in Feliz. The value on these two is higher since they aren’t prospects any more. The issue is Cruz only has another year under contract which isn’t long enough from their perspective. Perhaps the rangers try to flip some pitching prospects for hitting prospects to give to AZ to sweeten the deal in order to get upton without trading their own guys i.e. Olt, Profar, Perez?
fair deal imo
rangers get: J Upton drew
Dbacks get: Profar michael young mike adams
rangers are trying to win a world series..why would they trade their set up man and team leader…2nd why would the d backs want a declining player in young and mike Adams in his last year. Not to mention RANGERS ARENT MOVING PROFAR UNLESS ITS SURE FIRE ACE CONTROLLABLE.