Aug. 29, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA: Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Justin Upton bats in the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

With a surplus of outfielders, many pundits have claimed that the Arizona Diamondbacks could be involved in a trade before the 2012-13 season begins. While all the speculation recently has focused on Jason Kubel, it may be two-time All-Star Justin Upton who is dealt according to multiple media reports today.

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports today that the Padres, Rangers and Braves seem to be the strongest suitors for the 25-year-old right fielder.  San Diego’s Chase Headley was mentioned as a possible player that could be headed in the D’backs direction in a deal involving Upton. Headley finished 5th in the National League MVP voting last season when he hit .286 with 31 HR’s and a league leading 115 RBI’s.

Texas is seeking to replace Josh Hamilton and other offensive production and are said to be trying to build a deal behind third base prospect Mike Olt, while Arizona would prefer the discussion would start with shortstop Elvis Andrus or prospect Jurickson Profar.

Atlanta recently signed Upton’s brother B.J, which could be a draw for the five-tool outfielder. Atlanta has pitching depth in their system that could be attractive to Arizona like RHP Julio Teheran, RHP Lucas Sims, LHP Sean Gilmartin and RHP J.R. Graham.

Earlier this week, Buster Olney of ESPN tweeted out comments that the Diamondbacks have changed what they are asking for in the case of the mercurial outfielder and that the Seattle Mariners are rumored as a possible destination. Upton would have to agree to a trade with Seattle for it to be concluded. CBSSports.com Jon Heyman says the Braves, Yankees, Rays, Mets, Phillies and Rangers all still have an interest in acquiring the former MVP candidate.

These rumors have been constant about Upton this off-season, but have died down in recent weeks after he was not moved during the MLB Winter Meetings. Speculation had shifted to Kubel being the odd man out in the D’backs outfield until Olney’s tweet today got the rumor factory abuzz with Upton talk. According to some pundits, like Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the D’backs are not expected to get much back for Kubel and therefore have returned back to Upton as they listen to suitors.

According to Olney, some officials throughout the league are now convinced that Upton will be the player that is moved to alleviate the crowded outfield situation in Arizona.

Stay tuned to VenomStrikes.com throughout the off-season for full coverage of all the trade rumors involving the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Arizona Diamondbacks acquired Didi Gregorius on Tuesday in a three team, nine player trade that attempted to solidify Arizona’s future at the shortstop position. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Diamondbacks continued their busy off-season on Tuesday by acquiring what they hope to be their answer at shortstop for years to come in a three-team, nine player trade also involving the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indians. Arizona acquired young shortstop Didi Gregorius from Cincinnati and left-handed reliever Tony Sipp and first baseman Lars Anderson from Cleveland.

Arizona shipped prized pitching prospect Trevor Bauer and relievers Matt Albers and Bryan Shaw to Cleveland. Cleveland also acquired outfielder Drew Stubbs from the Reds. Cincinnati received Indians outfielder Shin-Soo Choo, shortstop Jason Donald and about $3.5 million from Cleveland.

Arizona’s Trevor Bauer was shipped to the Indians on Tuesday in a three team, nine player deal involving Cleveland and Cincinnati. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The center piece for the Diamondbacks was Gregorius, a player that GM Kevin Towers said reminded him of “a young Derek Jeter”. Considered more of a defensive standout, the 22 year-old Dutchman got his first taste of big league action last season. Gregorius hit .300 with two RBI’s in eight games with Cincinnati last season. In five minor league seasons, Gregorius hit .271 with 20 home runs and 166 RBI’s, splitting time between rookie ball t the lowest level and Class AAA at the highest. His best season in the minors came in 2010, when he hit .272 with five home runs and 41 RBI’s split between Class A ball and  professional baseball in Australia. He also hit 11 triples for the Reds farm system that season.

The Diamondbacks had an obvious falling out with Trevor Bauer and he became expendable with the signing of Brandon McCarthy last week. While Bauer has massive potential, his throwing program and attitude irked people in the organization and he became surplus for the Diamondbacks. They had to give him up to get their man in Gregorius. Bryan Shaw was going to see his role reduced this season with the acquisition of Health Bell and Albers was seen as a stop-gap in the bullpen for the short term.

Tony Sipp will get his chance to compete for a left-handed spot in the Arizona bullpen with Matt Reynolds. The left-handed Sipp pitched the last four seasons in Cleveland. Last season, Sipp was 1-2 with a 4.42 ERA in 63 appearances for the Indians.

Anderson will most likely be sent down to Class AAA Reno. Anderson hit .250, with 9 home runs and 59 RBI’s last season with Class AAA Pawtucket and Columbus.