Jason Kubel and Gerardo Parra hardly could be any more different as players, but the Diamondbacks might only have room for one of them in their outfield next season.
The Diamondbacks seem intent on trading center fielder Chris Young, thus opening up a spot for rookie Adam Eaton. They also seem likely to keep right fielder Justin Upton and are apparently willing to slot rookie A.J. Pollock into a fourth outfielder’s role.
As such, it appears unlikely that both Kubel and Parra will return. And if you’re trying to read the tea leaves, it looks like Kubel might be the odd man out.
Diamondbacks General Manager Kevin Towers spoke this week about wanting to cut down on strikeouts and improve his defense. Manager Kirk Gibson said last week he wanted to be a more athletic team.
That could point toward Parra getting a bigger role. Parra isn’t nearly the offensive contributor as Kubel is, but he can run, makes decent contact and is regarded as one of the better defensive outfielders in baseball.
That said, Towers is looking to add a shortstop and a third baseman, and he said what he does with those positions could factor into the left-field decision.
