Blue Jays open to trading Melvin Upton Jr.

The Blue Jays have put Melvin Upton Jr. on the trading block and are fielding trade offers for the veteran outfielder, according to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports.

Heyman says the Giants and the Rays might be possible clubs for Upton Jr., who is owed $16.45 million this year by both the Padres and the Blue Jays after the Jays acquired the 32-year-old before the trade deadline last year

Heyman initially tweeted that the Orioles and Tigers would have been potential fits as well, but his sources told him that the Orioles are “not a fit” and the Tigers are good with their outfield, particularly with rookie center fielder Jacoby Jones.

Upton Jr. played in 57 games with the Blue Jays, but only hit .196/.261/.318 with four home runs and 16 RBI in 165 plate appearances. He played mostly left field for Toronto, but appeared in center at times during its run to the ALCS, where they lost to the Indians in five games.

Upton Jr. finished the season with 20 homers, 61 RBI and 27 stolen bases while batting .238/.321/.402 in 149 games. In his 12 seasons in the majors with the Rays, Braves, Padres and Blue Jays, he has batted .243 with only 164 homers, 586 RBI and 300 stolen bases.