The Atlanta Braves have reportedly acquired outfielder Justin Upton in a blockbuster trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The deal, which is expected to be finalized early next week, involves a total of seven players. The Braves will also receive third baseman Chris Johnson, while Arizona gets third baseman Martin Prado, starting pitcher Randall Delgado and prospects Nick Ahmed, Zeke Spruill and Brandon Drury. Spruill, a right-handed pitcher, was recently rated the No. 9 prospect in the Atlanta Organization.

DobberBaseball columnist Mac Vincent will give an in-depth analysis of this blockbuster deal later today.

The New York Mets have agreed to a one-year deal with pitcher Shaun Marcum. The 31-year-old right-hander, who battled elbow issues in Milwaukee, went 7-4 with a 3.70 ERA, 1.266 WHIP and 109 strikeouts in 124 innings last year. When healthy, Marcum has a lot of fantasy upside – especially with a move to pitcher-friendly Citi Field. The currently undisclosed salary for Marcum is expected to be between $2-3 million plus incentives.

The Tampa Bay Rays have re-signed reliever Kyle Farnsworth to a one-year deal worth around $1.5 million plus $1.5 in performance incentives. Farnsworth, who was Tampa Bay's primary closer in 2011, will operate as the setup man in front of current closer Fernando Rodney. Last season, the hard-throwing 36-year-old righty posted a 1-6 record with a 4.00 ERA and 25 strikeouts in 27 innings while struggling through an elbow injury.

The Chicago Cubs have signed veteran outfielder Scott Hairston to a two-year contract, pending a physical. Hairston could earn up to $6 million if he hits specific incentives. The 32-year-old hit a career-high 20 home runs with the Mets last year while hitting .263 along with 57 RBIs. Hairston is expected to platoon in right field with Nate Schierholtz and could take over in left field if Alfonso Soriano is dealt to another team.

According to Cincinnati Reds general manager Walt Jocketty, top prospect Billy Hamilton will open the 2013 season at Triple-A Louisville. Hamilton, who was originally a shortstop, will move to center field and continue to refine his overall game. Last year, in 132 games between High-A Bakersfield and Double-A Pensacola, the speedy 22-year-old had a line of .311/.410/.420 with a record 155 stolen bases. He should make his debut with Cincinnati at some point during the 2013 campaign.

A total of eight teams are beginning to emerge in the pursuit of center fielder Michael Bourn, the top free-agent left on the market. The Mets, Braves, Orioles, Dodgers, Rays, Rangers, Cubs and Mariners have all expressed interest in the 30-year-old. Last year, Bourn played his usual excellent defense while posting an offensive stat line of .274/.348/.391. He also stole 42 bases, scored 96 runs and had a career high in both home runs (nine) and RBIs (57).

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