Rangers rumors: Texas considering Diamondbacks OF Jason Kubel?

The Texas Rangers have missed out on several high-profile targets this offseason, including Zack Greinke and Josh Hamilton, and if they aren’t able to reach an agreement with the Arizona Diamondbacks for slugger Justin Upton Buster Olney of ESPN wonders if they will instead focus their attention on outfielder Jason Kubel:

If the Rangers can't meet Arizona's asking price for Justin Upton, you wonder if they can work something out for Jason Kubel, who would be a one-year upgrade in power for Texas. Some executives with other teams have asked privately whether Texas overvalues its prospects; either way, the Rangers have had a lot of success.

The Diamondbacks acquired Kubel last winter in what was surprise signing considering the team’s outfield depth. Arizona has since traded Chris Young, but they still have Upton, Kubel, Gerardo Parra and younger options including Adam Eaton. For this reason the Diamondbacks may be able to part with an outfielder such as Upton or Kubel to help fill other areas of need.

Kubel hit .253/.327/.506 with 30 doubles, four triples and 30 home runs in his first season with the Diamondbacks. The 30-year-old owns a career line of .268/.334/.467 over eight seasons at the major league level.