Diamondbacks rumors: Jason Kubel trade talks heating up

The ubiquitous trade rumors surrounding outfielder Justin Upton could end being a giant red herring, as the Arizona Diamondbacks have had an equal amount of trade talk about fellow outfielder Jason Kubel, reports Jon Morosi of Fox Sports:

Much of the offseason trade speculation involving the Arizona Diamondbacks has centered on right fielder Justin Upton.

But sources told FOXSports.com late Monday that the team has had at least as much trade dialogue in recent days about outfielder Jason Kubel.

The 30-year-old Kubel could draw wider trade interest than Upton, according to Morosi, because he has a smaller asking price, shorter contract, and is coming off a better season. The corner outfielder put together a solid first season for the D'Backs, hitting .253/.327/.506 with a career-high 30 home runs, and is only owed $7.5 million in guaranteed money next season with an option at the same price for 2014.

There was speculation early in the offseason that the D'Backs could look to trade either Kubel or Gerardo Parra to clear room in the outfield, but the rumor died away as talk of trading Upton re-surfaced.

Countless teams are on the lookout for corner outfield help, so the trade possibilities for Kubel are endless at the moment.