MLB Trade Rumors: Arizona Diamondbacks Would Be Foolish to Deal Justin Upton

With the 2012 MLB trade deadline July 31, the talk of trades involving some of the biggest names in the sport have started heating up.

One of the biggest names mentioned has been Arizona Diamondbacks star outfielder Justin Upton.

Upton is a young player that hasn’t quite lived up to the high expectations that have surrounded him throughout his career. With just seven home runs, 36 RBI and 74 strikeouts in 78 games, his trade value isn’t as high as it should be for a 25-year-old that has twice topped 85 RBI.

Despite having the best statistical season of his career in 2011, Upton’s mediocre 2012 will hurt the chance of the Diamondbacks getting what they want in return.

That’s why they shouldn’t trade the star.

FOX Sports MLB insider Ken Rosenthal is reporting about the Diamondbacks:

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At that point, the D-backs would consider offers for right fielder Justin Upton, according to major-league sources. The team currently is preparing for all trade possibilities — buying, selling and veteran-for-veteran deals that would improve the club, sources said.

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With the National League West still wide-open, there is no reason to believe that Arizona couldn’t still win the division. At only five games back, the Diamondbacks are there for a potential second-half run at postseason glory.

If they want a chance at the playoffs this season or anytime in the near future, they must keep Upton in the fold, though. Not only does Upton have the speed on the bags and in the field every team needs, he has the potential to put solid bat on the ball every time he is up to the plate.

Instead of being sellers, maybe the Arizona should be buyers this year for once and give Upton a little help.

With players in the batting order that can protect Upton and set him up for success, his numbers would return to the form that made him one of the best players in the league.

Arizona shouldn’t trade Upton; they should trade for players to help Upton succeed

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