The Baltimore Orioles have expressed interested in Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Jason Kubel, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. Arizona is seeking young pitchers from the Orioles in exchange for Kubel, but Heyman notes that to this point Baltimore is "disinclined to do that."
#dbacks seek young pitchers from #orioles for kubel. To this point Baltimore disinclined to do that.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) January 5, 2013
Ever since the Diamondbacks signed free agent outfielder Cody Ross earlier this offseason it’s been assumed that the club will trade Kubel or Justin Upton this winter. A deal isn’t guaranteed, but Arizona currently has four starting-caliber outfielders, including Ross, Kubel, Upton and Gerardo Parra, to go along with younger players such as Adam Eaton.
The Orioles have targeted an impact bat throughout the offseason. While general manager Dan Duquette has been working the phones talking potential trades with team, Baltimore has been extremely quiet following their surprising run in 2012.
Kubel would qualify as an offensive upgrade, and the O’s have several young arms that could appeal to the Diamondbacks. Chris Tillman took a step forward last season, and Baltimore could also offer Steve Johnson, Jake Arrieta, Zach Britton and Brian Matusz.