San Francisco Giants Rumors: Signing Justin Upton is on the Agenda

After losing out on Jon Lester, the San Francisco Giants have moved their focus onto right fielder, Justin Upton. According to Bob Nightengale with USA TODAY Sports, three club officials reported the Giants have engaged in trade talks with the Atlanta Braves.

The officials added that despite the preliminary talks, neither team appeared to be too enthusiastic about finalizing any deals. Nightengale writes:

"The teams have had preliminary discussions, officials from each club told USA TODAY Sports, but neither club was overly optimistic a deal can be finalized. The Giants would love Upton, who would immediately become their best hitter, but they really want no part with Johnson, even though they need a third baseman. The Braves, meanwhile, are skeptical whether the Giants could provide the necessary prospects to pull off a deal."

Upton, who is the Braves best hitter, would ideally only be traded for top prospects. Sources also reported that the Braves would be willing to lower their demands for top prospects if other clubs agree to take third baseman Chris Johnson with Upton.

Upton is due $14.5 million next season and will enter free agency the following year. Johnson is owed $23.5 million through to 2017, which is a lot of money for a player whose batting average fell by almost 60 points. Last season, Upton batted .270 with 29 homeruns and a career-high 102 RBI. Johnson batted .263 with 10 homeruns and 58 RBI.

Despite these rumors, insider Jon Heyman with CBSSports.com stated that talks between the two clubs have significantly died down. He reported that the deal is "not happening."

The Braves are also reportedly in talks with the Baltimore Orioles and Seattle Mariners in regards to Upton.