Justin Upton, Cliff Lee trade reportedly discussed between Phillies, Diamondbacks

The Arizona Diamondbacks and Philadelphia Phillies are in discussions to make a trade involving outfielder Justin Upton and pitcher Cliff Lee, ESPN's Pedro Gomez is reporting.

Such a move would also include the Diamondbacks receiving cash, Gomez added. That would help Arizona deal with Lee's hefty salary, worth $87.5 million over the next three seasons.

Yahoo!'s Jeff Passan reports that his sources said there weren't active talks between the two teams involving Upton and Lee. Passan said that Arizona is still searching through a bevvy of three- and four-team trades to acquire a shortstop for Upton, who has been shopped around the last few seasons.

The Arizona Republic's Nick Piecoro also reports that the rumor is "off base."

Lee struggled last season for the Phillies, going 6-9 on the year with a 3.16 ERA. The 34-year-old was a Cy Young Award winner in 2008.

Upton, 25, had an underwhelming year himself, batting .280 to go with 17 home runs and 67 RBI for an Arizona club that likewise underachieved.

While it's difficult what to make of the Upton and Lee reports, it's clear the Diamondbacks are talking with other teams about Upton much more actively than they have in the past. On Monday, CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reported the Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners met to discuss an Upton trade.