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Diamondbacks could move Kubel, not Upton, says one analyst

Jason Kubel and Justin Upton are both being mentioned as possibilities to be traded by the Arizona Diamondbacks as they look to get rid of one of their outfielders.

By Ronald Clark
Matt Kartozian-US PRESSWIRE

The Arizona Diamondbacks know that they want to trade one of their outfielders in order to alleviate some of the pressure from the logjam they have in that part of the field. But while it has looked like Justin Upton was the most likely to go, the Diamondbacks may go in a different direction to answer their problem, according to FOX Sports.

Jason Kubel could also be at play if the Diamondbacks want to back off of their Upton talks. Upton is rumored to be out the door, even though Diamondbacks managing general partner Ken Kendrick has said that Upton is likely to return.

If the latter is correct, Kubel could be next in line. The 30-year-old Kubel will make $7.5 million next season and has a club option for 2014 at the same amount, which is a pretty good deal. And if Upton is traded, it leaves the Diamondbacks with an odd, all-left-handed hitting outfield with Kubel, Gerardo Parra and Adam Eaton.

If the Diamondbacks refrain from wanting shortstop Elvis Andrus or infielder Jurickson Profar from the Texas Rangers, Upton could head there in a deal but that doesn't seem likely at the moment. All that's true is that the Diamondbacks want to make a trade, but who exactly is leaving is anyone's guess.