Diamondbacks Sign Jason Kubel

The Arizona Diamondbacks have signed Jason Kubel to a 2-year, $15 million deal (krasovic / heyman). Ken Rosenthal confirms the report and suggests Kubel will play in left field for the Diamondbacks, which likely makes Gerrado Parra their fourth outfielder:

• Twitter / @tomkrasovic - "Another club says #Dbacks signed Kubel "to a really good deal."
• Twitter / @Ken_Rosenthal - "Source: Kubel deal with #DBacks is two years and an option. In agreement. Pending physical."
• Twitter / @JonHeymanCBS - "Kubel got $15M, 2 yrs"
• Twitter / @Ken_Rosenthal - "Source: Kubel will play LF for the #Dbacks, with Parra likely becoming the fourth outfielder."

The question now is whether the Diamondbacks improve the team with this move, or if this gives them a bit more roster flexibility with which to move other pieces. Dave Cameron of Fangraphs says Arizona takes a step back because Kubel is an offensive downgrade over Parra, while Rosenthal points out that Kubel's 2011 season was hampered by a sprained foot and he could see a return to form:

• Diamondbacks reach deal with Kubel - Ken Rosenthal
  "The Diamondbacks, continuing their impressive off-season, have reached agreement with free-agent outfielder Jason Kubel on a two-year, $15 million contract, according to a major-league source. The deal, which is pending a physical, also includes an option for 2014, the source said."

• Arizona Downgrades With Kubel Addition - FanGraphs Baseball
  "Well, today, the team decided to change course, signing Jason Kubel to a two year, $15 million contract that will see him take over as the team’s left fielder. By acquiring Kubel, the D’Backs have essentially decided to displace the incumbent Gerardo Parra, and in looking at the two players, it’s not actually clear that the team is going to get any better."

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