ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

Why did Justin Upton veto a trade to the Seattle Mariners?

Jan 12, 2013, 3:45 AM | Updated: 4:41 am

Thursday, it was reported that two-time All-Star Justin Upton vetoed a trade that would have sent him from the Arizona Diamondbacks to the Seattle Mariners.

After three long offseasons of persisting trade rumors, the question has to be asked: Why would Upton veto a trade that would have finally sent him out of town?

1. Rain

On average, Seattle has more than 150 days of precipitation per year. The Emerald city also averages 35.9 inches of rain per year. Phoenix by comparison has less than a month of precipitation days per year and 7.8 inches of rain.

2. Safeco Field

Without question, Safeco Field is a beautiful place to take in a ball game. With that said, the 54,000-seat stadium is by no means a hitter’s park. According to ESPN.com, since the stadium opened in 2000, the Mariners have scored the fewest runs and have the worst batting average of any American League team during that span.

In 2012, Safeco Field averaged just 1.43 home runs per game. By comparison, Chase Field had 2.15 fly out of the yard per game (58 more over the course of the season).

3. Home/road splits

During his five-year MLB career, Upton has taken full advantage of Chase Field’s hitter-friendly dimensions.

Over the
past three seasons, Upton has batted .253 with 26 home runs and 93 RBI away from Chase field. However at home, the former No. 1 overall pick is considerably better, batting .311 with 39 home runs and 131 RBI. His OPS is also .189 higher in games played in the Valley.

And there’s this reason, provided by Arizona Sports 620’s Paul Calvisi on Friday:

Either way, Upton remains a D-back for now. Whether that’s still true heading into spring training, well, that remains to be seen.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Blake Snell...

Associated Press

Blake Snell and San Francisco Giants agree to $62 million, 2-year contract, AP source says

Two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell and the San Francisco Giants have agreed to a $62 million, two-year contract.

2 hours ago

Zac Gallen...

Damon Allred

Diamondbacks ace Zac Gallen named Opening Day starter

The Arizona Diamondbacks named Zac Gallen the starter for Opening Day on March 28 when the Colorado Rockies come to Chase Field.

4 hours ago

Merrill Kelly...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks’ Merrill Kelly, Zac Gallen building strong outings with Opening Day near

Diamondbacks starter Merrill Kelly followed Zac Gallen's scoreless outing Sunday with one of his own Monday against the Athletics.

5 hours ago

Alek Thomas, Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder...

Kevin Zimmerman

D-backs’ Alek Thomas found confidence with just 2 swings in 2023 playoffs

Two Alek Thomas home runs during the 2023 playoff run for the Arizona Diamondbacks helped build his confidence. You can guess one of them.

8 hours ago

Alek Thomas...

Alex Weiner

NL West preview: Where do the Diamondbacks fit in a new-look division?

No division was more prevalent in the news cycle than the NL West. Here's a preview of the Dodgers, D-backs, Giants, Padres and Giants.

13 hours ago

Corbin Martin...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks option RHPs Corbin Martin, Slade Cecconi in final week of spring training

The Diamondbacks continued to clear up roster battles by optioning pitchers Corbin Martin, Slade Cecconi and Blake Walston Triple-A.

13 hours ago

Why did Justin Upton veto a trade to the Seattle Mariners?