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Jason Kubel Signs With Team That Doesn’t Need Him

by Rob Neyer

Jason Kubel’s injuries and his defensive limitations haven’t hurt his value much, as the Arizona Diamondbacks are going to pay him $15 million over the next two seasons.

  • Rob Neyer

    Rob Neyer

    Hey, This Jason Kubel Thing Might Work (But Probably Not)

    MINNEAPOLIS, MN: Jason Kubel #16 of the Minnesota Twins reacts to striking out against the Boston Red Sox in the seventh inning at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Red Sox defeated the Twins 4-3. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
    MINNEAPOLIS, MN: Jason Kubel #16 of the Minnesota Twins reacts to striking out against the Boston Red Sox in the seventh inning at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Red Sox defeated the Twins 4-3. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
    MINNEAPOLIS, MN: Jason Kubel #16 of the Minnesota Twins reacts to striking out against the Boston Red Sox in the seventh inning at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Red Sox defeated the Twins 4-3. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
    Getty Images

    It’s still fairly early, but there’s a pretty damned good chance this will winning the Most Bizarre Move of the Off-Season Award (Free-Agent Division).

    The Diamondbacks are reportedly doing to pay Kubel $7.5 million per season in each of the next two seasons. He’s been a major leaguer for five seasons, 2007-2011. According to FanGraphs, Kubel’s been worth roughly $2.5 million per season. He’ll be 30 next May. The Diamondbacks have a left fielder who’s been worth roughly $8 million per season over the last two seasons, and who will be 25 next May.

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  • Grant Brisbee

    Grant Brisbee

    Arizona Diamondbacks, Jason Kubel Reach Agreement

    DETROIT: Jason Kubel #16 of the Minnesota Twins singles to right field in the first inning scoring Trevor Plouffe #24 during the game gainst the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
    DETROIT: Jason Kubel #16 of the Minnesota Twins singles to right field in the first inning scoring Trevor Plouffe #24 during the game gainst the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
    DETROIT: Jason Kubel #16 of the Minnesota Twins singles to right field in the first inning scoring Trevor Plouffe #24 during the game gainst the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
    Getty Images

    The Gold Gloves are sort of an inside joke, but it’s still a little surprising that the Diamondbacks didn’t sweep the outfield awards in the National League. Justin Upton is ahead of his peers in right field, and Chris Young is at least in the discussion of best defensive center fielders in the NL.

    The one Diamondback who did win the Gold Glove, though, was Gerardo Parra, who was easily the best NL left fielder in the field. The 24-year-old complemented that with a .357 on-base percentage and 15 steals in 16 attempts. It was a pretty nice season. It’s too bad he’s going to have to scour Craigslist for a new job! The Arizona Diamondbacks signed former Twins outfielder Jason Kubel to a two-year, $15 million deal.

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