Report: Diamondbacks' ownership squashed Ethier-for-Montero swap

Andre Ethier was almost an Arizona Diamondback.

The Los Angeles Dodgers had a trade in place that would have sent the outfielder to Arizona in exchange for catcher Miguel Montero, reports FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal.

The deal also involved Dodgers backstop Tim Federowicz and a low-level Arizona prospect, but the swap ultimately collapsed because Diamondbacks' ownership wouldn't approve it.

Rosenthal doesn't provide an exact time frame for the discussions, but notes they took place while the Diamondbacks were negotiating with Cuban slugger Yasmany Tomas in late November.

Tomas, primarily an outfielder while playing in his native country, is getting a shot at playing third base in spring training, so it makes sense the Diamondbacks were still attempting to upgrade their outfield.

Ethier is owed a whopping $53.5 million over the next three seasons, a major reason why the outfield-heavy Dodgers are trying to move him.

Rosenthal believes a resurgence in trade talks involving Ethier and Montero is unlikely heading into the winter meetings.