Justin Upton Is Too Expensive For The Yankees, Apparently

A young, impact, right-handed bat seems to be just what the Yankees should be tirelessly pursuing, but the ever-popular trade target Justin Upton may be out of their price range. Upton was very nearly dealt to the Seattle Mariners earlier this week before using his no-trade clause to reject the deal. It seems to be no secret at all that the Diamondbacks are almost resigned to trading their star outfielder, and it's no secret that the Yankees could very much use that kind of player to replace the production of Nick Swisher. So, why aren't the Yankees more interested?

The three years and $38.5 million left on Upton's contract seems to be the culprit tempering the Yankees' willingness to put a package together that might bring him to the Bronx. With high priced contracts already being owed to Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira, and CC Sabathia that will greatly reduce flexibility under a limit of $189 million, the team seems unwilling to part with prospects and pay what is owed to Upton.

It's a strange feeling seeing a player that is almost idyllic on the market without the Yankees seeming to make a peep. Sure, it's possible that this is another one of Ninja Cashman's plans to keep everything under wraps until he's swooped in and gotten his guy, but the way this offseason has gone for the Yankees so far, I really have my doubts. It's at least a little disappointing to have the opportunity to acquire an exceedingly available player like that and watch it pass by without even trying.