Justin Upton Rumors: Braves, Giants Talking Blockbuster Trade?

Justin Upton has been the subject of MLB Trade Rumors all off-season. The latest grumblings suggest that the slugger could be headed from the Atlanta Braves to the San Francisco Giants as part of a blockbuster deal.

Slugging outfielder Justin Upton is heading into his walk year. The Braves are strongly considering trading him while he is still a bargain rather than trying to sign him to an extension. Any team that receives Upton, therefore, will want to proceed with the belief that they can sign him long term.

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If ever there was a team that would be a sure bet to pull that off, it would be the San Francisco Giants.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that the Braves and Giants are talking about a potential trade that would net the Giants Upton and Chris Johnson, providing them a replacement at third base for the departed Pablo Sandoval as well. From Nightengale’s report:

"The Giants are in trade talks with the Atlanta Braves to acquire All-Star right fielder Justin Upton and third baseman Chris Johnson, according to three club officials with direct konowledge of the negotiations.The officials talked only on the condition of anonymity because discussions are on-going. The teams have had preliminary discussions, officials from each club told USA TODAY Sports, but neither club was overly optimistic a deal can be finalized."

One thing holding up a potential deal, of course, is the fact that the Giants are still holding out hope that they will sign free agent starting pitcher Jon Lester. It goes without saying, then, that a $150 million deal with Lester would throw a wrench in these plans.

Pending that kind of deal, it makes sense that the Giants would pursue Upton. Given the shortage of right-handed power in baseball these days, the Giants would sure have it with Upton, Buster Posey, and Hunter Pence all in the same lineup.

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