Earlier today, it was announced by the Angels that Kyle Kubitza was traded to the Texas Rangers for cash considerations. He was sent to the Rangers’ Triple-A team, the Round Rock Express.
Fans were not expecting to see Kubitza traded anytime soon. He was seen as a top third baseman in the farm system, as well as one of the best overall prospects. He spent some time with the Angels in the 2015 season, playing 19 games and recording seven hits in 39 plate appearances. For the Angels’ Triple-A team, the Salt Lake Bees, he had a .253 batting average with 47 hits and 19 RBIs so far in the 2016 season.
Kubitza was born in Arlington, Texas in 1990, and he attended Texas State University, so it is fitting that he is now a member of the Texas Rangers. He was a third round pick by the Atlanta Braves in the 2011 MLB Draft. After spending a couple of years in the Braves’ minor league system, he was acquired by the Angels in January of 2015.
When Kubitza was picked up in early 2015, third base was a questionable position for the Angels. David Freese would be a free agent after the season, so it looked like Kubitza could be the future. Then, December came along and Yunel Escobar was traded from the Nationals to the Angels, giving the Halos a solid third baseman. With the rise of Jefry Marte and Gregorio Petit as well, Kubitza was no longer a necessity for the Angels.
Kubitza was designated for assignment on June 13th. Since the Angels have one of the highest payrolls in the MLB, it does not hurt to receive some cash in exchange for Kubitza. Adrian Beltre is getting towards the end of his career, which will open up opportunities at third base for the Rangers’ prospects. The problem for Kubitza is that Joey Gallo is the Rangers’ top prospect and he can play third base, so it will be tough for Kubitza to have a starting role for the Rangers.