MLB

Upton unlikely for Mets

Justin Upton remains on the market — and it’s obvious now the Diamondbacks are willing to trade the outfielder — but the Mets don’t expect to be in the hunt.

Though they are interested, team officials looked at what the Mariners reportedly were willing to sacrifice to acquire the 25-year-old and shook their heads.

“Those were some big names,” one source said of the deal Upton nixed because Seattle is part of his no-trade clause. “There were some quality arms. I don’t see us moving in that direction if that’s what they’re asking for and almost got.”

Upton won’t come cheap. Although his production slipped last year, he is only one season removed from hitting 31 homers in Arizona. That’s part of the reason Seattle general manager Jack Zduriencik reportedly was ready to part with perhaps the team’s most prized pitching prospect, Taijuan Walker, as well as fellow prospects Stephen Pryor, Nick Franklin and Charlie Furbush.

The Mets don’t sound interested in moving their top minor league arm, Zack Wheeler, which makes them long shots at best. They are more likely to continue chasing smaller items, in hopes prices come down before spring training.

Still, with an outfield that currently consists of the likes of Lucas Duda, Collin Cowgill, Andrew Brown, Kirk Nieuwenhuis and Mike Baxter, the Mets aren’t ready to shut any doors.

Since the Diamondbacks signed Cody Ross, they have a surplus of outfielders. They could choose to move Jason Kubel, but trading Upton would go considerably further toward replenishing their farm system.

As for the possibility of Upton coming to The Bronx, because the Yankees don’t have a minor leaguer the caliber of Wheeler, it seems implausible they could make a play for him.