The Pittsburgh Pirates completed one of the first impact trades in the lead-up to the 2015 MLB Trade Deadline, acquiring veteran thrid baseman Aramis Ramirez from the Milwaukee Brewers.
However, they may not be done with a potential blockbuster swap looming down the turnpike this coming week. Enter San Diego Padres slugger Justin Upton.
Per Nick Carfardo of the Boston Globe, "Upton is being eyed by the Orioles, Mets, Pirates, and others. He can be an impact hitter, but again, he’ll be a big-ticket item in the offseason."
Upton has been connected to several teams as of late, with the New York Mets emerging as the most agressive suitor for the 27-year-old slugger in recent days.
The righty free swinger has seen his batting average dip from a career mark of .272 to .248 this year, which can be partially attributed to the spacious, pitcher-friendly PetCo Park. His power production has remained relatively consistent, however, as he's posted 15 home runs and 49 RBI on the year.
Upton is in the final year of a six-year, $51.5 million pact. Any team who trades for him will be on the hook for a pro-rated portion of his $14.5 million salary for 2015.
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