Market for Kazmir reportedly taking shape
The market for free-agent left-hander Scott Kazmir appears to be to coming together ever so slowly, according to Bob Nightingale of USA Today.
The 31-year-old has reportedly trimmed his suitors to the Royals, A's, Orioles, Cardinals, Nationals and Astros. With that many clubs still in the running for Kazmir, it's doesn't appear the lefty will sign soon.
CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reported Friday that Kazmir has multiple offers for three-year deals in the range of $12-13 million per, so Kazmir could be waiting for one or two clubs to offer him four years. He also has the benefit of not being tied to Draft pick compensation after being dealt from Oakland to Houston midseason.
The A's (Rich Hill and reportedly Henderson Alvarez) and Royals (Chris Young) are the only of the aforementioned clubs to have signed a starter this offseason, and Kansas City and St. Louis are looking to replace Johnny Cueto and John Lackey, respectively. The Orioles also may have to replace fellow free-agent lefty Wei-Yin Chen.
Kazmir, who turns 32 in January, was 7-11 with a 3.10 ERA in 31 starts for the A's and Astros last season.