ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

Arizona Diamondbacks owner: Justin Upton not likely to be traded

Oct 3, 2012, 6:48 PM | Updated: 10:47 pm

Diamondbacks right fielder Justin Upton has been the subject of trade speculation for the better part of the last two years, and that’s not likely to change as the team heads into an offseason after what was undoubtedly a disappointing 2012 campaign.

It was disappointing for both the team and Upton, and many think a separation may be in the best interest of both parties.

Diamondbacks managing general partner Ken Kendrick, as a guest of Arizona Sports 620’s Burns and Gambo, said that’s not exactly the case.

“I wouldn’t think necessarily that he is,” Kendrick said when asked if Upton is the bargaining chip the team will use to acquire a shortstop or third baseman. “I’m a big Justin guy and I think Justin, even in a down year, has made real significant contributions to this team.”

With one game left, Upton is hitting .276 with 17 home runs and 67 RBI, numbers that are below what he produced last season, and well below what many thought he’d put up this year.

Still, he is just 25 years old and is tied for third in baseball — and first in the National League — with 107 runs scored, so it’s not as if he’s had a completely unproductive campaign.

“Here’s a guy that even in a down year, he scored more runs than anybody in the National League,” Kendrick noted. “He makes our team go, and so I would think it’s highly likely we’ll see Justin Upton in a Diamondback uniform next year.”

Arizona Diamondbacks

Zac Gallen...

Arizona Sports

Diamondbacks agree to TV, cable and satellite channel contracts

The Arizona Diamondbacks will air on linear TV channels as well as streams under an MLB-produced broadcast partnership in 2024.

2 hours ago

Jordan Lawlar, D-backs...

Damon Allred

Diamondbacks shortstop Jordan Lawlar to have thumb surgery

Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Jordan Lawlar will have surgery on his right thumb after tearing a ligament, GM Mike Hazen said on Wednesday.

17 hours ago

General shot of Chase Field...

Bailey Leasure

What’s new at Chase Field for the 2024 D-backs season?

The Arizona Diamondbacks 2024 season will see the team debut new food items, enhancements to the ballpark and giveaways.

23 hours ago

Bryce Jarvis #40 of the Arizona Diamondbacks throws a pitch during the second inning in the game ag...

Vincent DeAngelis

Bryce Jarvis starting season in long reliever role for Diamondbacks

Twenty-six-year-old Bryce Jarvis will start the 2024 season in a long relief role for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

23 hours ago

Jordan Montgomery...

Alex Weiner

Reports: Diamondbacks, LHP Jordan Montgomery agree to terms on contract

The Diamondbacks and big-ticket free agent pitcher Jordan Montgomery agreed to terms on a contract, according to multiple reports on Tuesday. 

2 days ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Zac Gallen says Diamondbacks are ready for opponents’ best daily

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen joined Burns & Gambo to talk about the excitement surrounding his second straight Opening Day start for the Snakes, and the overall excitement the team has for the coming season.

2 days ago

Arizona Diamondbacks owner: Justin Upton not likely to be traded