Scott Kazmir
After retaining the services of Rich Hill, the Los Angeles Dodgers are shopping their other southpaw, Scott Kazmir.
The defending National League West champions have their hands tied in terms of free agents and mentioned they could not ink Hill without clearing a roster spot and the 32-year-old Kazmir has been linked to trade rumors.
Choosing to not utilize his opt out, he will make the $32 million he still is owed by the Dodgers for 2017and ’18.
After a brief resurgence in 2014-15 (3.33 ERA in 63 games for Oakland and Houston) Kazmir went 10-6 with a 4.56 ERA this year, averaging 8.8 strikeouts per nine innings with an opponent’s slash line of .253/.327/.435.
The three-time All-Star was shut down on Aug. 22 due to a spinal condition and pitched just one inning against the Rockies on September before ending his season.
The stock of Kazmir should be slightly higher than others on the market due to his seasoning and ability to help in the bullpen, as well. However, this doesn’t look like a move the Yankees would pull the trigger on unless they seriously have to settle.
Hypothetically speaking, if the Dodgers’ had only one year left on his contract for less dough or even showed he is more than just your standard 4-5 guy, then it makes sense for the Yankees to ship some mid-level prospects so Los Angeles can make room.
