After trading Jason Heyward to the Cardinals earlier this offseason, the Braves are looking to continue to revamp their outfield.
According to FOX Sports reporter Jon Morosi, the Orioles, Rangers and Padres are all possible landing spots for Braves outfielder Justin Upton.
Justin Upton (Getty Images)The Braves are almost certain to deal Upton, 27, by the end of the MLB Winter Meetings later this month, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post Atlanta recently signed 31 year-old free agent outfielder Nick Markakis (10th in AL with 177 hits).
The Orioles, who saw outfielders Markakis and Nelson Cruz sign with other teams this week, would welcome Upton's right-handed power (29 home runs and 102 RBI this season) to the smaller confides of Camden Yards. Finding the right level of prospect/player return could be an issue, though.
With outfielder Alex Rios likely done in Texas, the Rangers are a viable suitor for Upton. The Padres, who have reportedly been interested in Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp, would welcome Upton to a roster that ranked last in team batting average, runs scored, on-base percentage and slugging percentage.
After dominating the 1990s and early 2000s the Braves have struggled a bit lately, having only made the postseason three times in the last nine seasons after making them the previous 11 seasons.
With Ervin Santana unlikely to resign with Atlanta, the Braves no doubt will be looking for starting pitching help in exchange for Upton.