Fansided

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

By Kyle Franzoni

Jun 21, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics pitcher Scott Kazmir (26) follows through on a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels in the seventh inning at O.co Coliseum. The Athletics defeated the Angels 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 21, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics pitcher Scott Kazmir (26) follows through on a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels in the seventh inning at O.co Coliseum. The Athletics defeated the Angels 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
Jul 25, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. talks with reporters during batting practice before a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 25, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. talks with reporters during batting practice before a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Loser – Toronto Blue Jays

If there was one buyer on the market that was even harder up for pitching than the Houston Astros, it was the Toronto Blue Jays. Toronto was rumored to have been negotiating with the A’s for Kazmir, but given the team’s history with dealing with Billy Beane (see Josh Donaldson trade), the two weren’t able to come to an agreeement. Perhaps Beane wanted to make up a bit of value after getting raked over the coals last winter.

Given the return package that Houston negotiated, it seems like a deal that would have been right in Toronto’s wheelhouse, and Kazmir’s remaining salary would have fit nicely into the $7-$8 million that the Blue Jays have left to spend this summer. Now the team needs to get further involved with high-priced pieces like Johnny Cueto or even David Price, who they are scouting on Thursday per Yahoo’s Jeff Passan.

The price of rentals just went up for Toronto, and with teams like Kansas City, Los Angeles, and New York Yankees also in the mix, the Blue Jays may have to get into a bidding war to land the arm they badly need.

But there is some silver lining for the Blue Jays. Kazmir was scratched from his start against Toronto on Wednesday in order to satisfy the trade.

Loser – Philadelphia Phillies

The Kazmir trade to Houston is a double-edged sword for Ruben Amaro and the Phillies.

In Houston, the Phillies lose perhaps their biggest bidder for Hamels, and one that had the best pieces in which to make a deal with. It also releases some of the pressure from the division-rival Texas Rangers, who were also in on Hamels but now have one less team bidding against them.

Amaro has been trying to wring every last drop of blood from the stone when trying to move Cole Hamels. Given the return package that the Astros sent to Oakland for Kazmir, it might increase the likelihood that teams will be more willing to take on rental players like Cueto, David Price, or Jeff Samarzija rather than pay a high prospect cost AND take on the heavy contract of Cole Hamels.

Yes, there will still be teams in on Hamels, if for no other reason beside his controllability past this season. However, the offers are likely going to be tempered, not only by having one less team desperate for his help, but also due to the saturation of quality arms of both the rental and long-term variety. And given the upcoming free agent market, those teams that may not be buyers for 2015 may be tepid about making a deal this summer if the price isn’t right.

It looks more and more like Hamels will be a winter trade candidate.

Next: MLB's untouchable prospects at the trade deadline

More from Houston Astros

Home/Houston Astros