Diamondbacks rumors: Justin Upton, Chris Young

Rival executives believe the Arizona Diamondbacks will trade center fielder Chris Young this winter, while it’s no longer clear whether or not the club will part ways with right fielder Justin Upton, reports Buster Olney of ESPN:

But the Diamondbacks ran the bases atrociously, and they have a clear need at shortstop and a glut of outfielders. There would seem to be almost no chance that the group of Justin Upton, Chris Young, Jason Kubel, Gerardo Parra and Adam Eaton return intact. One or more of them is likely to be moved.

Olney heard from several executives that said they expected the Diamondbacks to let Young walk if he had been claimed on waivers last month. The 29-year-old is set to make $8.5 million next season and his contract includes an $11 million option for 2014 with a $1.5 million buyout. He hit .231/.312/.435 with 24 doubles and 14 home runs over 324 at-bats this season.

While Upton was the focus of several trade rumors this summer, executives say Diamondbacks general manager Kevin Towers is less likely to trade the outfielder this winter. Upton’s age and ceiling mean Arizona could possibly not get enough in exchange for him. They could also be hesitant to move him, fearing he’ll turn into a superstar elsewhere.

Upton’s set to make $38.5 million over the next three seasons. The 25-year-old hit .276/.352/.428 this year and owns a career line of .277/.356/.475.