MLB trade rumors: Tigers doing 'due diligence' on Justin Upton?

The Detroit Tigers are reportedly doing background research on Justin Upton and may be interested in making a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks to acquire the rightfielder according to Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic.

ESPN's Jim Bowden reports that the rumored offer would include third base prospect Nick Castellanos, outfield Avisail Garcia, and left-handed pitcher Drew Smyly.

Upton, 25, made his Major League debut with the Diamondbacks in 2007. He has a career .278 batting average with an OPS of .832. In 2011 he finished fourth in NL MVP voting and batted .289 with 31 home runs, 88 RBIs, 105 runs, and 21 stolen bases. His numbers dipped in 2012, but he is still considered an elite outfielder.

The hardest piece for the Tigers to part with from the rumored deal would be Castellanos. Detroit drafted the third baseman/outfielder with the 44th pick of the 2010 MLB Draft and he is considered their best prospect.