June 3, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays center fielder BJ Upton (2) hits a single against the Baltimore Orioles at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Griffith-US PRESSWIRE

Waiting for the market to set itself up, Angel Pagan has backed off coming to an agreement with one of his many suitors, but it appears one of his most interested parties – the Atlanta Braves – are no longer in need of his services.

Hoping to replace Michael Bourn who was expected to leave via free agency, the Braves had set their sites on the Giants’ outfielder. However, Pagan’s rumored asking price apparently wasn’t within their range as they opted to sign former Ray B.J. Upton to a five year, $70-75 million dollar deal:

Upton receives a five-year contract for $70 milllion to $75 million for #Braves

How it shakes out for Pagan remains to be seen. It could increase his asking price slightly, given many feel Pagan is a higher quality talent than Upton (though not as young), but it also takes a serious contender for his services out of the equation which the Giants may play to their advantage.

June 3, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays center fielder BJ Upton (2) hits a 2-RBI double against the Baltimore Orioles at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Griffith-US PRESSWIRE

In the case that Pagan gets an offer he can’t refuse, which isn’t out of the question, the Giants have been quietly calling the agents of other potential free agent outfielders – more likely as a backup plan in case they miss out on Pagan, but a plan regardless of the situation.

In addition to already having contact with the Atlanta Braves’ Michael Bourn, whom the Giants expressed interest in early in the season, the Giants are reportedly going to meet with Tampa Bay’s B.J. Upton in the near future:

Free agent CF B.J. Upton, who has visited with the Braves and Phillies, has at least three other teams to talk with, including the Nationals and possibly the Giants. “I’m really blown away by the love other cities are showing me right now,” Upton tweeted. “Can’t wait to see how this pans out.”

As mentioned above, Upton and Bourn are more likely backup plans rather than priorities – and it’s really the Giants doing their due diligence, making sure not to be left with cold turkey if they were to lose out in the Pagan sweepstakes. But still – rumors are rumors, no matter how iffy they might be.