Justin Upton Vetoes Trade: Rumors Still Have New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, Atlanta Braves, Seattle Mariners, San Diego Padres As Destination For Arizona Diamondbacks Outfielder

By Greg Price | January 11 2013 12:04 PM

The Arizona Diamondbacks put together a futile deal Thursday that would have sent star outfielder Justin Upton to the Seattle Mariners. The 25-year-old excercised his no-trade clause and as a result Arizona’s options and leverage could be dwindling.

Reuters

Arizona outfielder Justin Upton exercised his no-trade clause Thursday, cancelling out a proposed deal with the Seattle Mariners.

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Upon was rumored on the move to the New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, and the Mariners, but they now see out of the question. His no-trade list also includes the Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox, and Chicago Cubs.

Fox Sports was the first to report that Upton nixed the proposed trade to Seattle that could have netted the Diamondbacks four players, mostly young pitchers.

Arizona has tried to trade Upton since last July, but so far their asking price has scared teams away.

The Rangers made a deal for Upton just before Arizona came to terms with Seattle and, according to the Dallsa Morning New, are “moving on”. That could just be a hardline bargaining tool, since Texas must fill out a lineup that took severe losses after Josh Hamilton signed with the Angels.

Texas was willing to part with Mike Olt and Derek Holland, with shortstops Elvis Andrus and Jurickson Profar practically untouchable.

Atlanta still has high interest in the two-time All Star, but is reportedly unwilling to part with young shortstop Andrelton Simmons.

New York would be an intriguing option, since they have very little youth in their outfield. The Yankees are looking for another bat, and were linked to Washington’s Mike Morse to be their new designated hitter even though the 30-year-old has little interest.

The teams linked to the most chatter are clearly starved for offense, and Arizona knows this. Like Seattle, the Padres need a serious boost after finishing 23 rd in runs last season.

However, with almost eight months on the block, Arizona may have wasted Upton’s trade value.

His numbers dipped last season, but his low price tag of three years and $38.5 million left on his contract continues to make him a bargain.In six seasons, Upton’s garnered MVP votes twice, and has shown great range with his power and speed. Last season, a thumb injury could have trigger an across the board decline in average, home runs, RBIs, and OPs.