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Rumors surrounding the availability of Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder Justin Upton continue to gain steam Sunday.

According to Jon Morosi of FOXSports.com, the NL Central Pittsburgh Pirates reportedly have interest in the D-backs slugger.

Major-league sources told FOXSports.com the Pirates have had preliminary trade discussions regarding two power-hitting outfielders, San Diego's Carlos Quentin and Arizona's Justin Upton.

Upton, who finished fourth in the MVP voting in 2011, has struggled to build upon the success he enjoyed last season and has failed to meet club officials' lofty expectations so far this season. However, Upton remains highly regarded around the majors despite falling out of favor with the Diamondbacks' brass of late.

Upton's relationship with the Arizona franchise has soured recently amid criticism from owner Ken Kendrick, but he's highly regarded within the industry. A change of scenery may be the best thing for Upton. If he lands in Pittsburgh, he would combine with McCutchen to give the Pirates their best collection of star talent since the departure of Barry Bonds.

If the D-backs decide to seriously entertain offers for Upton, they will have no shortage of suitors. In fact, the 24-year-old outfielder's services are so highly coveted, teams are already believed to have expressed a strong level of interest in obtaining the talented slugger.

Baseball Insider Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports the D-backs will only listen to offers that will net a huge return.

The Diamondbacks, who are on the cusp of the race in the NL West, don't have to trade Upton and are said only interested in making a "perfect'' deal. But it was recently reported by FOXSports.com the team might entertain offers.

Upton's no-trade list reportedly has changed from the last time the D- backs considered dealing him.

Sources say Upton's limited no-trade list isn't the same as the last time the Diamondbacks entertained trade requests a year and a half ago. It was reported at the time that his four-team list of teams he could veto a trade to consisted of the Tigers, Indians, A's and Royals. Detroit is one team that would have the interest and wherewithal to do a deal.

The defending NL West Champions are four games out of first in the division entering the All-Star break. It remains a long shot the Diamondbacks will deal Upton while still involved in a playoff race.

Upton is hitting .273 with seven home runs and 37 RBI and is in the midst of a six-year, $51.25-million contract that runs through 2015.

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  • Abuse
    Think4URself wrote...
    Is Boston interested?
    In light of both team's struggles and subsequent needs...how about Upton and Drew for Adrian Gonzalez? Boston fills two needed positions and get a little younger. While D-Backs, get their elusive #3 hitter that knows the NL West.
  • Abuse
    milkstar318 wrote...
    We have Goldschmidt
    We dont need an overpaid 1st baseman when we hav an awesome one already.
  • Abuse
    Dick W. wrote...
    Would Make Sense If
    Golschmidt could play 3B ; that would create an awesome line-up with Gonzales but only if Goldschmidt could handle 3B
  • Abuse
    redstick88 wrote...
    haha
    Keep dreaming guys never will happen
  • Abuse
    Think4URself wrote...
    True it is a dream...
    But Boston aint too happy with things...and they have to do something. Keeping the dream alive...Actually I would put Goldie in left. Move Kubel to right.
  • Abuse
    Luis R. wrote...
    Boston...
    is trying to get rid of outfielders not gain them, plus Adrian Gonzalez hates AZ for the SB1070 Bill. He didn't even want to come to AZ for the All-Star Game last year.
  • Abuse
    Jonathan T. wrote...
    realistic
    trading two big pieces in drew and upton for a really big contract in adrian gonzalez? that isn't going to happen. you don't trade for a first baseman when the one you already have is batting over .300 and is putting up pretty big power numbers. gonzalez's batting average is less plus he has half the homeruns. not to mention you're giving up drew as well? very unrealistic. i think it's really sad people forget the year upton had last year so quickly. how old is he again? 24? baseball players don't reach their peak until 27 or 28. the one word that comes to mind about trading upton? stupid
  • Abuse
    Ross T. wrote...
    Adrian G...
    Good point on AG being a SB1070 hater. Frankly, if people are going to hate a BORDER state for trying to deal with the worst immigration problem in the US...then freakin beat it! We don't need your idealistic, left wing, b.s. This is the REAL WORLD where we can't afford to provide free health care and food to people who want to come here and get a free ride!
  • Abuse
    DeWannaBonner wrote...
    NOT HAPPENING
    He is not getting traded. We're 4 games out of first place!!! The fact that this is even news and people are commenting on this is absurd.
  • Abuse
    wsphxcardsfan wrote...
    this is absurd
    Upton is 24 years old. Let me repeat: Upton is 24 years old. Why on Earth would we trade him? He had a poor start but has turned it around in the last few weeks. Fickle fans need to chill out.
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