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| Could Arizona slugger Justin Upton be headed to Atlanta? (US Presswire) |
The Diamondbacks are currently considering an offer from Atlanta for outfielder Justin Upton, Buster Olney of ESPN.com reported Wednesday. CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman confirmed the report and adds any trade "could occur relatively quickly" if it happens. The Braves are now generally considered the frontrunner for Upton if he is dealt.
Pieces in the offer have not been revealed. The best comparison available is the rejected deal between the Mariners and Diamondbacks for Upton, which would have sent top pitching prospect Taijuan Walker, shortstop prospect Nick Franklin and relievers Stephen Pryor and Charlie Furbush to Arizona.
Last week, our R.J. White put together some hypothetical trade packages for Justin Upton based on prospect rankings. His hypothetical deal from the Braves would send pitching prospects Julio Teheran and J.R. Graham, shortstop prospect Nick Ahmed and reliever Jordan Walden to Arizona. Although the names are unlikely to match up exactly if the trade comes to fruition, the general shape of the deal -- one or two solid pitching prospects, one or two relievers, and a middle infield prospect -- makes sense given the Diamondbacks' stated needs and their nixed trade with the Mariners.
If the Braves do manage to acquire Upton, their Opening Day lineup will look something like this:
Martin Prado 3B
Jason Heyward RF
Justion Upton LF
Freddie Freeman 1B
B.J. Upton CF
Brian McCann C
Dan Uggla 2B
Andrelton Simmons SS
Although the National League will have some strong lineups this season -- the Reds and Nationals stand out, with the Cardinals and Brewers bringing back high-scoring lineups as well -- this hypothetical Atlanta team could compete with all of the above.
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the latest rumors from bloggers Chris Cwik, Jack Moore and R.J. White, follow @MLBRumorsCBS.
