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The trade rumor du jour is Justin Upton to the Rangers. The Cubs could make a play if they will talk Starlin

Castro. The Diamondbacks are focused on getting a shortstop in return for Upton, and see Texas with a surplus in Elvis Andrus and Jurickson Profar. Upton would replace Josh Hamilton in the Rangers' outfield and the lineup. But the Cubs are in almost the same position with Castro and Javier Baez. They could match up if they are willing to deal Castro and bide some time waiting upon Baez to arrive. Castro isn't as gifted of a fielder as Andrus but his bat makes him the best young shortstop in baseball. The Cubs have a lot of middle infielders coming, with Baez a possibility as soon as late 2014. The 25-year-old Upton is under contract through 2015 and the Cubs could easily have him under control for another four years if they move to extend him after next season -- an extension that would make his contract worth something like $120 million over six years and give the Cubs a chance to put him in an outfield alongside Jorge Soler and Albert Almora. Do the Cubs want to bet on Baez? They have a chance to be players for Upton if they do.