Royals interested in Justin Upton

The Royals are one of several teams interested in trading for Braves outfielder Justin Upton, writes Joel Sherman of the New York Post. He lists the Padres, Rangers, and Indians as other interested suitors. Upton is in the last year of his contract and is owed $14.5 million. The 27-year old right-handed hitter is coming off one of his best seasons, hitting .270/.342/.491 with 29 HR 102 RBI and 3.3 rWAR.

Sherman tweets that the Braves are looking for help at second base or starting pitching. The Royals would have some starting pitching that could interest the Braves including Danny Duffy, and prospects like Sean Manaea and Miguel Almonte. The Royals have little to offer at second base however, unless the Braves are interested in the negative-value contract of Omar Infante.

In eight seasons with the Diamondbacks and Braves, Upton has hit .274/.354/.476. The former #1 overall pick played left-field last year, but has played right-field in much of his career and could slot in right away as the Royals starting right-fielder and cleanup hitter.