MLB Trade Deadline: Winners and Losers of the Scott Kazmir trade

The first big domino of the MLB Trade Deadline has fallen with Scott Kazmir being traded from the Oakland Athletics to the Houston Astros.

With just eight days until the MLB Trade Deadline, activity has been frustratingly slow, both for the media covering the movement and the teams looking to make some deals. With names like Cole Hamels, Johnny Cueto, David Price, Justin Upton, Carlos Gomez, and many more being bandied about, the bubble was bound to burst at some point in time.

And as per usual, Billy Beane of the Oakland Athletics was the first to poke it and complete the first major trade of the season.

As first reported by Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the Athletics have sent left-hander Scott Kazmir to his hometown Houston Astros in exchange for a pair of prospects; right-hander Daniel Mengden and catcher Jacob Nottingham.

Kazmir has been on the radar as a potential piece to move since early May, with many teams tied to him potentially, including the Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Kansas City Royals. Those teams will have to shift their focus elsewhere as they navigate the trade waters, either for a rental or for a long-term piece.

As with any deal leading into the non-waiver deadline, there are implications far outside just the two teams involved. As one domino falls, others with either tumble or be pushed aside. And as with any deal, there are winners and losers involved all across the board.

Next: And the winners are...