Oakland Athletics Rumors: Five Players Who Should Be Shopped

Scott Kazmir

Mar 12, 2015; Mesa, AZ, USA; Oakland Athletics pitcher Scott Kazmir (26) on the mound during a spring training game against the Seattle Mariners at HoHoKam Stadium. The A

The Scott Kazmir rumors have been non-stop ever since it was predicted that the Athletics would be sellers come the trade deadline. Kazmir has been extremely successful this season even though his current 4-5 record does not reflect it. He has a 2.79 ERA with 85 strikeouts in 90.1 innings pitched.

Kazmir is in the last year of his contract with the A’s before free agency. Even though Kazmir expresses a desire to stay with Oakland, it is unlikely that they will shell out the money and be able afford him for next season. Additionally, the Athletics have enough replacements for the rotation if they do decide to trade him.

Currently, Drew Pomeranz could rejoin the starting rotation or rookie starter Chris Bassitt, who is also available. Bassitt had a strong outing on Tuesday when he was spot starter for Sonny Gray while Gray was in the hospital. If the Athletics come to the realization that they will not be able to make a playoffs push this year, it would make sense to trade Kazmir since they would get the most in return for this veteran starter.

Next: Ben Zobrist