INDIAN WELLS, Calif. -- Once again, the Arizona Diamondbacks are trying to trade right fielder Justin Upton.
Maybe the third time will be a charm.
The Diamondbacks discussed moving Upton at the 2010 general managers' meetings and also before the July 31 non-waiver deadline last season.
Ken Kendrick, the team's managing general partner, told a Phoenix radio station in October that Upton was "highly likely" to return.
Major-league sources, however, say the team is again engaged in active discussions about Upton, and one estimates the chances of him playing elsewhere next season are "80-20."
The Diamondbacks need a shortstop, and Upton possibly could bring them a player such as the Rangers' Elvis Andrus.
Upton, 25, is signed for $9.75 million next season, $14.25 million in 2014 and $14.5 million in 2015.
His no-trade list last season consisted of four teams: the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians and Chicago Cubs.
The list has since changed, a source said.
Without Upton — and Chris Young, whom the Diamondbacks traded last month to the Oakland Athletics — the team would still be fairly deep in outfielders.
Gerardo Parra, Jason Kubel and Adam Eaton could form the D-Backs' outfield next season, with A.J. Pollock in reserve.
