Justin Upton rumors: '90 percent chance' Upton stays in Arizona

Once thought to be a surefire trade candidate this winter, Justin Upton now has a "90 percent chance" of staying with the Arizona Diamondbacks next season, reports Jon Heyman of CBS Sports:

Justin Upton has a 90 percent chance of being with the Diamondbacks when spring training starts as things stand now, one Diamondbacks person estimated…

While not putting a precise number of Upton's chances to stay a D-Back, club owner Ken Kendrick told CBSSports.com, "I think there's a very high likelihood Justin will be in our starting outfield when we start the new season."

Heyman speculates that Upton’s trade probability could change as the offseason plays out, and that the D’Backs will continue to listen to offers, but the outfielder’s tradability has declined significantly in recent weeks.

Arizona had what seemed like a likely trade partner in the Rangers, but the Texas squad has repeatedly exclaimed reluctance at parting with either Elvis Andrus or Jurickson Profar in order to acquire Upton. The Rangers even went so far as to try to acquire Andrelton Simmons from the Braves as an alternative so as to not give up their own prized shortstops.

The 25-year-old Upton has a limited no-trade clause that is rumored to include the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays, but the young outfielder may be open to waiving the clause, according to Heyman.