Since last week's Winter Meetings, the Texas Rangers have been mentioned in just about every key player on the market — whether it be the trade market or the free agent market.
Unfortunately, they haven't landed any of them. The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Zack Greinke, the Kansas City Royals traded for James Shields, and now it appears you can scratch Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Justin Upton off the list of potential Rangers acquisitions as the Diamondbacks were part of a three-team deal on Tuesday night that landed them shortstop prospect Didi Gregorius.
The talk all along had been that the Rangers had been talking with Arizona about Upton, and that the Diamondbacks wanted a shortstop in return, presumably either Elvis Andrus or super prospect Jurickson Profar, both of which were said to be untouchable unless it was for a top-notch starting pitcher like David Price of Felix Hernandez.
The deal seems to kill any desire the Diamondbacks would have to trade Upton, who is a young, controllable five-tool player who has yet to realize his full potential.
Depending on who you talk to, it seems the Diamondbacks have eliminated any discussions involving Upton, while other folks say GM Kevin Towers will still entertain offers for him, though they would have to be substantial packages.
Another thing this does negatively for the Rangers is give Josh Hamilton leverage in his negotiations as it's more evident now that the Rangers need help in the lineup and need a corner outfielder. With Upton seemingly off the market, it could up Hamilton's value.
