Headed to the desert?

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

PHOENIX -- The Arizona Diamondbacks are ironing out the final details of a two-year, US$15 million contract with free agent outfielder Jason Kubel.

A person familiar with the situation, who asked not to be identified because no official announcement had been made, said the deal is expected to be finalized by Tuesday at the latest. A second person with knowledge of the deal said it includes a mutual option for a third year.

The addition comes as something of a surprise because it would send left-fielder Gerardo Parra to the bench as the Diamondbacks' fourth outfielder. Parra had a breakthrough season a year ago, batting .292 and winning a Gold Glove as one of the game's best defensive outfielders.

Kubel would add a left-handed slugger to the batting order in home run-friendly Chase Field. He had 104 home runs and 429 RBIs in seven seasons with the Minnesota Twins.

The 29-year-old outfielder was limited by injury to 99 games last season, batting .273 with12 homers and 58 RBIs. In 2010, Kubel hit .249 in 143 games with 21 home runs and 92 RBIs. His best season came in 2009, when he batted .300, hit 28 home runs and drove in 102.

The Twins had talked about re-signing Kubel but chose instead to sign ex-Oakland slugger Josh Willingham. Kubel is the third longtime Minnesota player to leave as a free agent this off-season. Closer Joe Nathan signed with Texas and outfielder Michael Cuddyer signed with Colorado.

The Diamondbacks apparently would try to get Parra a significant amount of playing time as the backup in all three outfield positions. The reigning NFC West champions have Chris Young in centre and Justin Upton in right. When Arizona plays interleague games on the road, Kubel probably would be the designated hitter, opening more playing time for Parra.

The move also gives the team depth in case of injury.

Until now, Arizona general manager Kevin Towers' off-season moves have centred on pitching. He acquired right-handed starter Trevor Cahill, lefty reliever Craig Breslow and cash from the Oakland Athletics for leading pitching prospect Jarrod Parker, reliever Ryan Cook and outfielder Collin Cowgill.

The team signed 41-year-old reliever Takashi Saito to a one-year, $1.75 million contract.

Towers also re-signed second baseman Aaron Hill and utility infielder John McDonald, both acquired in a late-season trade with Toronto.