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In an attempt to gain the ammunition needed to trade for Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Justin Upton, the Texas Rangers offered power-hitting third base prospect Mike Olt to the Atlanta Braves for shortstop Andrelton Simmons, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported over the weekend. The Braves rebuffed the offer, intent on keeping Simmons, who played well as a rookie last season.
The Diamondbacks are said to want at least a young third baseman or shortstop in a deal for Upton, who at age 25 has three years left on his contract. The Rangers likely saw a need with the Braves at third base with the retirement of Chipper Jones, but the Braves need an outfielder themselves and have also been linked to Upton.
The Rangers could opt to trade Elvis Andrus or prospect Jurickson Profar if the Diamondbacks are intent on receiving a shortstop. The 24-year-old Olt hit 288/.398/.579 with 28 homers in the minors this past season.