Of all the places we thought OF Jason Kubel would sign, Arizona would be the last place. After all, the Arizona Diamondbacks already had three quality outfielders in Gerardo Parra, Chris Young, and Justin Upton.

But the Diamondbacks didn’t feel as comfortable with their outfield as everyone else did because Arizona signed Jason Kubel to a two-year, $15 million contract with an option for 2014 according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.

Unless this move leads to another move in which Parra is traded for a starting pitcher, I just don’t get this signing at all. What the Diamondbacks just did is replace a superb defensive left fielder (9.8 UZR in left in 2011) with a DH for a minimal return on offense.

As a matter of fact, I don’t even think Kubel is a better offensive player than Parra. Parra showed great improvement at the plate in 2011 and clearly looked like a guy who is figuring things out. Kubel’s best season was back in 2009 when he finished with a 2.7 WAR. Parra had a 2.8 WAR in 2011.

I really curious to hear GM Kevin Towers’ explanation for this signing. On the surface, it just makes very little sense to invest that type of money into Kubel when they have a better option already in Parra.

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