Justin Upton trade rumors Cubs Mariners veto Braves Rangershttp://bit.ly/Xn2Ri9
Sporting News 
12:35 PM - 19 Jan 13 · Details
he Arizona Diamondbacks have one fewer suitor for right fielder Justin Upton, asESPNChicago.com reports the Chicago Cubs recently cut off trade talks.
The stumbling block was the Cubs’ refusal to include shortstop 22-year-old Starlin Castro in the deal. In addition, it has been reported that the Cubs are one of four teams Upton's no-trade list.
Justin Upton has already blocked one trade this offseason. (AP Photo)
Upton has been the subject of much trade speculation for the past couple of seasons, but the talks have intensified this offseason. In fact, the Diamondbacks recently had a deal in place to ship him to the Seattle Mariners before Upton invoked his no-trade clause. The Mariners have since acquired slugger Michael Morse from the Washington Nationals, so they seemingly also are out of the running for Upton.
The Texas Rangers had serious talks with the Diamondbacks about Upton earlier this offseason but also balked at the asking price. The Baltimore Orioles, New York Mets and San Diego Padres also have seemingly dropped out of the bidding. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Braves, who signed Upton’s older brother B.J. earlier this offseason, remain a possible match—if the Diamondbacks lower their demands.
Upton, 25, hit .280/.355/.430 with 17 homers, 67 RBIs and 18 stolen bases last season. While impressive, those numbers were down from 2011. when he hit .289/.369/.529 with 31 homers, 88 RBIs and 21 steals.
Upton has become expendable because Arizona has an outfield surplus that also includes Cody Ross, Jason Kubel, Adam Eaton, Gerardo Parra and A.J. Pollock.
