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MLB trade rumors: Jason Kubel, not Justin Upton could get moved

With baseball's hot stove season in full-swing, many experts have speculated that the Arizona Diamondbacks are looking to trade outfielder Justin Upton prior to the start of the 2013 season. However, recent reports have surfaced that the Diamondbacks could try and move Jason Kubel as well.

By Aaron Torres
Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

While most of the off-season trade speculation in Arizona has centered on the organization's attempts to trade outfielder Justin Upton, recent reports have suggested that they might try and move outfielder Jason Kubel instead.

The rumors were first reported by Fox Sports' Jon Morosi.

In a lot of ways the move makes more sense for an organization trying to acquire an additional outfielder. While Upton is still owed $38.5 million over the next three years, Kubel is owed just $7.5 million in 2013, with a mutual option in 2014 as well.

Beyond that, Kubel is actually coming off a better year statistically as well.

In 2012 Kubel had a career-high 30 home runs, while also tallying 90 RBI's, 30 doubles and 75 runs scored. Meanwhile Upton hit just 17 home runs with 67 RBI's, although his batting average (.280) was much higher than Kubel's (.253).

One thing that teams would have to consider prior to trading for Kubel is his age.

Kubel is 30-years-old, while Upton just celebrated his 25th birthday this past May.