Just a few days ago, Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com reported that the Arizona Diamondbacks were again interested in trading talented right fielder Justin Upton.
The return would be quite large for the Diamondbacks, and it’s probably a wise route to take for Arizona. With suitors potentially lining up to acquire Upton’s services, some may overlook the team’s standing in the back of the line—the longshots.
Well, that’s exactly what the Kansas City Royals are considered at this point.
Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic considers the Royals as “longshots” right now, though that means that there is some chance that a deal could be done.
Piecoro believes that Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas could be an attractive piece for the Diamondbacks.
Moustakas is currently coming off a fine first full season in the bigs. He put together a line of .242/.296/.412 with 20 home runs, 73 RBI and 34 doubles.
While current third baseman Chris Johnson also played well last season, there’s no doubting the upside and talent of Moustakas. He would easily overtake Johnson at the hot corner.
So, if the Royals have an attractive option in Moustakas, what’s holding up a potential deal?
Well, the Royals seek starting pitching. Any trade that involves one of their top young bats would almost have to bring back top arms in return.
The Royals are obviously not in a position to give up any top arms either. They have a few potential studs in the minors, but the current staff makeup suggests that they are not likely to let them go that easily.
Upton would be a nice fit in right field for the Royals. He’d be able to stay a part of the team’s long-term plans given his age (25) while also helping them do their best to compete in the tough American League Central.
The Royals may actually be the ones reluctant to make a deal, however. With their search for pitching spanning all possible areas, trading away a top bat for someone other than a pitcher just doesn’t seem to be in the cards at this point in the offseason.
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com