Justin Upton Vetoes Deal To Seattle Mariners [Report]
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Justin Upton has reportedly vetoed a trade that would have sent him to the Seattle Mariners.
According to Fox Sports, Upton, 25, rejected a trade that would have sent the two-time All-Star to Seattle in exchange for four players: relievers Charlie Furbush and Stephen Pryor, infield prospect Nick Franklin and one of three pitching prospects: James Paxton, Danny Hultzen or Taijuan Walker.
Upton’s contract has a limited no-trade clause that includes the Mariners and three other teams, identified by ESPN as the Blue Jays, Cubs and Red Sox.
So where will Upton land?
R.J. White of CBS Sports names 12 teams that he feels have at least a slight interest of pulling off an Upton deal: the Rangers, Phillies, Braves, Tigers, Orioles, Royals, Cubs, Red Sox, Indians, Pirates, Mets and Rays.
In addition to the potential options above, the Seattle Times notes it’s possible Upton could have a change of heart on his Seattle veto if the Mariners agree to restructure his contract.
Or if no other trade options develop, he might opt to take the deal to get out of Arizona.
The younger brother of Braves center fielder B.J. Upton, Justin is in his fifth year as a major leaguer has three years and $38.5 million left on his contract, making him highly affordable by today’s salary standards.
In 2011, while helping Arizona to its surprising NL West crown, Upton hit .289, with 31 home runs and 88 RBIs, the latter two categories are career bests.
Though his numbers dipped in 2012 — he went .280 with 17 home runs and 67 RBIs — Justin did score a career-high 107 runs.
Overall, he’s a career .278 hitter with 108 home runs.
You can see some of his highlights in the video below:
