Even in the aftermath of a blockbuster deal that sent right-hander Jeff Samardzija to the Chicago White Sox, the Oakland Athletics are not looking to deal another starting pitcher who has just one year of team control remaining in left-hander Scott Kazmir.
Hear #Athletics are not in mode of trading Kazmir. In fact are now looking to make couple of adds
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 9, 2014
The 30-year-old southpaw is set to make $11 million in 2015 with the Athletics in the final year of the two-year contract he signed prior to last season. With Oakland, Kazmir experienced a rejuvenation of sorts, pitching 190 1/3 innings – his most since the 2007 season when he was a member of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. He also earned the third All-Star selection of his big league career, notching a career-best 15 wins and a 1.161 WHIP in 32 starts.
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After the trade of Samardzija and the loss of Jon Lester to free agency, Oakland heads into 2015 with Kazmir slotted in as the staff ace, followed by the likes of Sonny Gray, Drew Pomeranz and Jesse Chavez. After signing former Kansas City Royals designated hitter Billy Butler to a three-year, $30 million deal to kick off the offseason, Athletics general manager Billy Beane has subsequently dealt third baseman Josh Donaldson, as well as first baseman Brandon Moss, while stockpiling prospects.
It’s hard to fathom Oakland choosing to keep Kazmir, simply for the reason that he has just one year of team control left and the team appears to be nowhere near the level of other clubs in the American League West. Seattle has restocked for 2015, bringing in the bat of Nelson Cruz to compliment Robinson Cano and Kyle Seager, Texas will undoubtedly be healthier than in 2014 and the Angels are coming off a resurgent campaign where they cruised to a division crown.
A career .535 pitcher coming off one of the strongest seasons of his career would no doubt have interest on the market. However, for the time being, it appears that Scott Kazmir will be the ace for the Athletics heading into next season.