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

Chase Field flyover...

Damon Allred

Diamondbacks’ Hall ‘battling’ to keep Chase Field roof open for Opening Day

The roof at Chase Field continues to be a hot button topic, especially after an exhibition game was rained out on Monday.

8 minutes ago

Merrill Kelly throws a pitch...

Alex Weiner

Meet the Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2024 Opening Day roster

The Arizona Diamondbacks finalized their 26-man Opening Day roster on Thursday ahead of their matchup against the Rockies.

43 minutes ago

Manager Torey Lovullo speaks with Corbin Carroll...

Arizona Sports

Roundtable: Expectations, predictions for the 2024 Arizona Diamondbacks

What are the expectations for the 2024 Arizona Diamondbacks? Arizona Sports show hosts and editors make their predictions.

3 hours ago

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.

6 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.

22 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.

1 day ago

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