Justin Upton Rumors: Rangers, Yankees and Expected Return

If the Arizona Diamondbacks decide to trade outfielder Justin Upton this summer, they will be looking for major leaguers in return, not prospects, general manager Kevin Towers told Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic.

"We're not looking for prospects," Towers said. "We're still in win mode. We're certainly not in sell mode at all."

Towers said while the Diamondbacks are not shopping Upton, they are listening to what teams are willing to offer for the 24-year-old.

"My job is to try to make this club better," Towers said. "We're not out shopping him by any means. Clubs have asked; I've said, 'Hey, tell me what you would do.' We could either say yes or say no."

Buster Olney of ESPN believes the Texas Rangers could be a fit for Upton. They have the type of player the Diamondbacks would covet in a trade, third baseman Mike Olt, and Olney says Texas could be interested in adding some "early protection" for a possible departure of outfielder Josh Hamilton this off-season.

As the Rangers explore ways to improve, here's one that makes a lot of sense: A trade for Justin Upton. Ariz. looking for 3B, and Olt fits.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 11, 2012

Olney adds that Upton’s contract includes a limited no-trade clause, which allows him to block deals to "a handful of big-market teams," including the New York Yankees.

Piecoro believes an Upton trade could make sense for the Diamondbacks. A move would offer more playing time to outfielder Gerardo Parra, it would allow Arizona to plug other holes on their roster, and it would free up nearly $42 million in salary through the 2015 season.

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Will the Diamondbacks trade Upton?

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