When the dust settles after the July 31 MLB trade deadline, only one team will have Carlos Beltran, the crown jewel of this year's trade talks. However, some experts have pointed out a dark horse outfielder that can bolster the outfield of a team unable to land Beltran: Tampa Bay's B.J. Upton.
Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com argue that the young Rays outfielder would be an excellent fit for a team like San Francisco, one of the primary suitors of Beltran.
Although Upton lacks the power of Beltran, he would allow the Giants to rotate Cody Ross, Andres Torres and Upton between two outfield positions and would strengthen the defense behind the Giants' superb pitching staff, Rosenthal and Morosi report.
Upton is also an attractive option for teams that are unable to afford Beltran's enormous contract. The Washington Nationals are one such team, and The Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo reports the Nats are considering "offering the moon" for Upton.
The 27-year-old outfielder has also reportedly drawn interest from the Indians, Braves, Phillies and Rangers.
