Report: Blue Jays, Orioles front-runners for Melvin Upton
The Toronto Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles are not only competing with one another for the top spot in the division, but the AL East rivals are also both eyeing San Diego Padres outfielder Melvin Upton Jr.
With the two clubs eager to add an outfielder leading up to the Aug. 1 non-waiver trade deadline, the Blue Jays and Orioles are reportedly the front-runners for the 31-year-old, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network.
Toronto has also had dialogue with San Diego regarding right-handed starter Andrew Cashner, and Heyman notes that both the Orioles and Blue Jays have discussed bigger deals involving more Padres. It was reported Friday that Baltimore has discussed a deal that would see Upton traded for Orioles starter Ubaldo Jimenez.
After two disastrous years in Atlanta, Upton has rebounded in San Diego.
The 12-year veteran is hitting .259/.315/.439 with 21 home runs and 29 stolen bases over 178 games with the Padres, and is capable of playing all three outfield positions. He's owed $16.4 million next season.