Danny Knobler writes that the Reds and the Indians are deep in discussions involving the Reds getting Shin-Soo Choo and another players from the Indians in exchange for centerfielder Drew Stubbs and shortstop Didi Gregorius.

If this deal goes through, it could pave the way for the Rangers to land much-coveted outfielder Justin Upton from the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Rangers, Diamondbacks and Indians have had discussions about a three-way deal for a while now, with the rumors indicating that the Rangers would part with Mike Olt and Derek Holland in order to land right fielder Upton. The Diamondbacks are looking for a shortstop as part of an Upton deal, and have talked to the Indians about their fine young shortstop, Asdrubal Cabrera. Cabrera, however, has just two years of team control remaining, and some reports indicate the Diamondbacks want a shortstop who is under team control for longer than that.

Gregorius, 22, has six years of team control remaining, and thus could fulfill the D-Backs' desire for a long-term shortstop option, or could provide a replacement for Cabrera, if the Indians were to ship him to Arizona.

This seems to set the table for the much-rumored Upton to Texas deal to be consummated.