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Kevin Towers says team is not 'shopping' outfielders

It's no secret that the Diamondbacks are listening to offers for some of their outfielders, including Justin Upton, but GM Kevin Towers said he will only make a move if Arizona gets the "right deal" in return.

By Russell Steinberg
Matt Kartozian-US PRESSWIRE

Outfielder Justin Upton's name has swirled around the MLB rumor mill this offseason, along with other Arizona Diamondbacks outfielders. But Arizona general manager Kevin Towers told Steve Gilbert of MLB.com that the team is not rushing to make a move. In fact, Towers will only make a deal if the Diamondbacks get something good in return.

"Always fielding phone calls, always having discussions," Towers said. "Still getting lots of hits on our outfielders. I think once we signed [outfielder Cody Ross], those people who were still looking for offense started ringing my phone. We're in a position where unless it's the right deal, we don't have to move any of our outfielders."

And with a wealth of talent in the outfield, it would make sense that Arizona would only want to entertain the right offers. Barring an injury, Ross is locked into one of the outfield spots while teams continue to call about Upton and Jason Kubel. Upton hit .280 last year and the 24-year-old has already made two All-Star teams. Kubel hit 30 home runs in 2012 and drove in 90 RBI.

Upton's name has been mentioned around the hot stove all winter, and Towers again made it clear that moving him was not the top priority.

"It's not that we're shopping," he said. "But if people call and ask about him, we listen."