Texas Rangers: Is Justin Upton to Texas Becoming More of a Possibility?

There have been many names thrown around Winter Meetings thus far, most notably Josh Hamilton and Zack Grienke, among others.

But in terms of the Texas Rangers' camp, Justin Upton has been the name that's been thrown around as the possible replacement for Hamilton, with his days in Texas seeming more than over.

Is bringing Upton to Texas becoming more of a realistic possibility by the hour? According to CBS Sports' Jon Heyman, via Twitter, the Rangers are working hard in trying to pry the All-Star outfielder away from the Arizona Diamondbacks.

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#rangers said working hard now on justin upton.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) December 5, 2012

 

When the Rangers first expressed interest in aquiring Upton, the price was deemed too high for their liking. Arizona wants a young shortstop, and the Rangers do have those pieces at their disposal with Elvis Andrus and Jurickson Profar.

But now, according to Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal, a blockbuster could be in the works that would involve, the Rangers, Diamondbacks, the Tampa Bay Rays and the Cleveland Indians.

Rosenthal said that one proposed deal on the table would involve sending Upton to Texas and Asdrubal Cabrera from Cleveland to Arizona, and the Indians would probably receiver Mike Olt from the Rangers.

But Rosenthal also warns those to not get too excited just this moment, as he points out that the Rangers know that there's a long way to go before landing Upton, and that the true number of teams involved is still uncertain.

 

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On #Rangers’ pursuit of Upton: TEX side more confident, but acknowledge “ways to go” before deal. Unclear how many teams involved in trade.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 5, 2012

 

Whether or not Tampa Bay intends to get involved in this particular trade is unclear, but James Shields would be involved in some aspect, and the Rangers have expressed interest in getting Shields if they aren't able to land Zack Grienke for the max contract he's expected to get (via Dallasnews.com)

Right now, the key name is Upton, and Texas is sure that it can land both him and Grienke if possible. The Rangers are actively shopping, and they have the money to get just about anyone they want.

The suggestion here is to keep an eye on Twitter. Seems like more news is coming in by the minute.

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