Potential Targets: Justin Upton

Target: Justin Upton, RF

Type of move: Trade

2012 stats: .280 batting average, .355 on-base percentage, 18 stolen bases, 24 doubles, 17 home runs, 67 RBIs in 150 games played

The biggest name tied to the Texas Rangers to replace Josh Hamilton has been Upton, who is the brother of another guy tied to the Rangers, Tampa Bay's B.J. Upton. But make no mistake, as far as the Upton brothers go, Justin is where it's at. He is 25 years old, is at quite a bargain right now (6 years-$50 million and under contract until 2016) and still hasn't hit his prime. He's a true five-tool player (like Hamilton) and would be a great investment even though his contract is backloaded and would pay him $14.25 million in 2014 and $14.5 million in 2015, so that could explain the Diamondbacks' reasoning in wanting to part ways with him. But there's also been talk of a lingering shoulder issue and maybe they just aren't quite confident he is ready to return his old self when he hit 31 bombs and hit .289 in 2011 while finishing fourth in the NL MVP race.

What would it take to get Upton? Current reports are saying either Elvis Andrus or Jurickson Profar. Not sure what to think about that. Earlier reports suggested Mike Olt, which I would do in a heartbeat.

What say you?

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