Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle reported that the Houston Astros have had preliminary talks with both Justin Upton and Ian Desmond. Desmond should be no real surprise as his positional versatility and Silver Slugger potential mix well with his youth and potential cost. But Upton, on the other hand, was peculiar. Why would Jeff Luhnow be interested in an outfielder who is projected to earn around $20 million annually and has vociferously spoken out against a short-term contract?
Upton has averaged 24.7 HR, 16 SB, .202 ISO, and .331 BABIP over the last seven seasons.