As reported by Joe Stiglich of CSN Bay Area last week, it turns out that the Oakland Athletics are still trying to sign free agent starting pitcher and former Athletic Scott Kazmir. This is surprising because the A’s discussed how they had already spent a significant amount of money acquiring some other free agent pitchers. It seemed as though the front office was not willing to shell out much more money for another starter.
With Kazmir being one of the top starting pitchers left in the free agent market, it is likely that he will demand a high paying contract. Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reported that Kazmir does have some offers on the table consisting of three-year deals in the $12-13 million range. However, Kazmir is looking for something more. He wants a four year contract.
This makes sense seeing as Kazmir is 31 years old. He would like to sign a contract that guarantees him money well into the later half of his baseball career. Unfortunately, he is just not seeing those four year contract offers roll in at the moment.
It is currently being reported that the A’s, Baltimore Orioles, Kansas City Royals, and Los Angeles Dodgers are all vying to sign Kazmir. Out of those four, the Athletics are definitely the underdog. However, if Oakland can offer Kazmir a four year contract, they may be able to snag him. Perhaps they can draw up a contract that gives him the same amount of money that he is seeing in the offers now, but over four years time instead of three.
Oakland would really benefit from having Kazmir back in the starting rotation. First of all, they need a No. 2 in the rotation to back up Sonny Gray. Secondly, they only have one other left handed starter – Rich Hill. Hill is a back of the rotation starting pitcher. Kazmir would help balance out of the starting five by providing a lefty option at the top of the rotation. Lastly, he was a former Athletic and likes playing for Oakland.
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As Stiglich pointed out in his article, the A’s did save some money by signing pitcher Henderson Alvarez to a one-year, $4 million dollar contract. Oakland was trying to go after Bartolo Colon, but he ultimately signed a $7.25 million dollar contract with the New York Mets. With this saved payroll money, the Athletics should put it towards sealing a deal with Kazmir.
Kazmir would be an ideal addition to the A’s pitching staff. It will just all depend on how much the Athletics are willing to spend. In the end, it would be beneficial for them and the team to stretch their payroll budget in order to acquire this starter.