:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/18667859/20130818_kkt_as8_477.0.jpg)
The Cleveland Indians have acquired outfielder Jason Kubel from the Arizona Diamondbacks, a source has confirmed to MLB Daily Dish. The return is unknown at this time, but it will likely be a player to be named later or cash considerations due to Kubel's recent designation for assignment.
Before being dealt to Cleveland, Kubel also drew trade interest from the Orioles and Braves, who are on the lookout for offensive help in the outfield. Although the 31-year old has hit only .220 with 5 HR and 32 RBI on the year, he is coming off one of the best seasons of his career, in which he hit .253 with 30 HR and 90 RBI. Due to the consistency he has shown throughout his career, Kubel is the ideal candidate to provide an offensive boost for a contender in the last month of the season.
After struggling all season with Arizona, Kubel was designated for assignment to clear room on the 25-man roster for pitcher David Holmberg. The D-Backs likely made the move with knowledge of interest in him from other teams that would enable them to receive compensation for him before the August 31st waiver trade deadline.
In nine major league seasons with the Twins (2004, 2006-2011) and Diamondbacks (2012-2013), Kubel is a lifetime .265 hitter with 139 HR and 551 RBI. He is in the final year of the 2-year, $16 million contract that he signed with Arizona before the 2012 season, meaning that he will be eligible for free agency after the season if the Indians decline their $7.5 million team option.