Trade rumors: 4-team blockbuster still alive, changing

Those of you still hoping for a blockbuster trade in Nashville, hold your breath.

While things have been relatively quiet on the four-team blockbuster front since the potential monster trade was first reported yesterday, the prospective deal is still very much alive and has taken on several different permutations in the past 24 hours, reports Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports:

Texas badly wants Justin Upton, according to major-league sources. Arizona, seeking a shortstop, is focused on Asdrubal Cabrera.

The goals of those two clubs are driving talk of three- and four-team blockbusters at the winter meetings – and also might shed light on what is happening with the two biggest free agents, right-hander Zack Greinke and outfielder Josh Hamilton.

All of the talks are fluid, and subject to change. The blockbuster, sources say, is taking on several new forms a day. Texas, Arizona and Cleveland are the constants. Different teams – Tampa Bay, Seattle and possibly Kansas City – have taken turns as the fourth club.

The Rangers' continued pursuit of top free agents Josh Hamilton and Zack Greinke are integral in whether a mega-trade comes to fruition. If the club re-signs Hamilton, they lose the incentive to bring on Upton, but if they are able to nab Greinke, trade talks could heat up rather quickly.

One recent configuration of the trade -- assuming the Rangers signed Greinke -- would have sent Rangers' left-hander Derek Holland to the Mariners, Upton to Texas, Cabrera and others to the D'Backs, and a package of young players -- likely some combination of Mike Olt, Trevor Bauer, Patrick Corbin -- to Cleveland.