There is little doubt within the baseball industry that Justin Upton will be traded sometime in the near future. Whether it be in the next week before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline or in the offseason, the D-backs appear ready to move on from their former top pick.
Upton is undoubtably talented and is signed for the next three years, but many have wondered if he's healthy and/or if he has the work ethic to translate his natural talent into consistent production on the field. Surprising, few calls have been made for the 24-year-old outfielder, and now some wonder if he won't be dealt until the offseason.
The Yankees could become a serious player and could make a bid, writes Joel Sherman of the New York Post.
The Yankees are intrigued by the possibility of obtaining Arizona's Justin Upton. And they should be.
Three of their best trades of the past two decades involved landing twentysomething outfielders who had fallen out of favor where they were - Paul O'Neill, Curtis Granderson and Nick Swisher. And, clearly, Upton is on the outs in Arizona. [...]
"I talk to [Yankees GM Brian Cashman] on a weekly basis. They've kicked the tires [on Upton]. But we have had no significant talks," Towers said, before Yankees right fielder Nick Swisher strained a hip flexor Friday night in Oakland. "[Cashman] is pretty happy with the club he has now. I don't sense he is going to make any big moves [before the deadline]."
There's no denying the Yankees would have interest in Upton, but it's unclear if they would have the prospects to get a deal done. And with Derek Jeter and/or Alex Rodriguez going nowhere in the coming years, it's tough to see Arizona matching up very well with the Yankees. A third team might have to get involved to make it work, especially with the D-backs looking to add a shortstop or third baseman.
It'll be something interesting to watch for in the coming months.
For more on the D-backs, check out AZ Snake Pit.