The Orioles are trying to deal for Diamondbacks outfielder Jason Kubel, according to Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com. The two sides have been talking since at least early January, when Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reported that the Orioles did not want to give up their young pitchers for Kubel.
The 30-year-old outfielder signed a two-year, $16 million deal with Arizona last offseason. Kubel is owed $7.5 million this year, and has a mutual option for the same amount in 2014. Last season, Kubel hit .253/.327/.506 in 571 plate appearances with the D-Backs.
After a surprising playoff run, the Orioles haven’t been aggressive during the offseason. Adding Kubel would help, as the Orioles are slated to enter the season with Wilson Betemit as their DH and Nolan Reimold in left. Both players have shown promise at times during their careers, but have never been able to put things together over a full season. While the Orioles are said to be interested, nothing is imminent, according to Rosenthal.
The team also likes Tigers pitcher Rick Porcello. The 24-year-old pitcher had a 4.59 ERA and a 3.91 FIP in 176 1/3 innings last season. The Orioles currently have a number of candidates expected to have a shot at claiming a role at the back of their rotation. Adding Porcello would likely push Brian Matusz back to the bullpen, and could prevent Miguel Gonzalez, Jake Arrieta, Zach Britton or Steve Johnson from winning a spot on the team.
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