Teams in need of outfielders are moving toward the trade market, because the free-agent market is currently too expensive, Buster Olney reported yesterday for ESPN.com.

According to Olney, Yankees OF Curtis Granderson, D-Backs OF Justin Upton, Rockies OF Dexter Fowler, Indians OF Shin-Soo Choo and Cubs OF Alfonso Soriano are all outfielders making significant money who could be available this winter.

Similarly, FOXSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal believes the Twins will trade OF Denard Span (and the two years and $11.25 million left on his contract) for an accomplished starting pitcher. Span also has a $9 million team option for 2015.

In regards to Upton, Rosenthal feels the D-Backs may eventually turn to trading OF Jason Kubel instead, even though Kubel will bring back less to Arizona in trade.

Kubel, 30, is signed for $7.5 million next season (with a $7.5 million club option for 2014).

According to Rosenthal, the D-Backs could also look to include one of their own pitching prospects with Kubel in an effort to get the top shortstop or top-of-the-rotation pitcher they’re currently seeking in talks for Upton.

To add a comment or ask a question about the outfield market, to be used on air during the next MetsBlog Radio show, leave a message at (860) 245-9851.

Matthew Cerrone, MetsBlog.com:

The Mets don’t have the type of shortstop that Arizona is looking to get, such as Rangers prospect Jurickson Profar and Braves SS Andrelton Simmons. So, if Arizona is looking to rearrange things, keep Upton, but package a pitching prospect with Kubel to get a guy like Profar or Simmons, or ‘an accomplished pitcher,’ I’m not sure that changes things for Sandy Alderson.

I’m intrigued by Kubel because the guy hits home runs and he’s making $8 million next year with a $7.5 option for 2014. It’s a good fit in that department. However, he also strikes out a ton and he might be a worse outfielder than Lucas Duda.

I’d say the Mets should make a play for him if he’s a salary dump costing mid-level prospects. But, if it’s – say – Jon Niese for Kubel and LHP prospect Tyler Skaggs, I’m not sure that fits in to Alderson’s long-term vision.

Again, to add a comment or ask a question about the outfield market, to be used on air during the next MetsBlog Radio show, leave a message at (860) 245-9851.