MLB Trade: Scott Kazmir headed to Houston Astros
By Jack Crosby
Scott Kazmir will be headed to the Houston Astros, joining a contender in the American League West
Next: Derek Jeter and MLB's 20 Richest Players
With the MLB Trade Deadline fast approaching here at the end of July, one of the big names thrown out there has been Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Scott Kazmir. As early as Wednesday it was reported that talks were heating up, especially with the Houston Astros.
Well, that report turned out to be pretty valid, as Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports is reporting that the Astros have won out on the trade sweepstakes for the services of Kazmir.
Sources: #Astros get Kazmir.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 23, 2015
As of this moment, Rosenthal is reporting the deal is for prospects.
Idea that #Astros were front-runner for Kazmir first mentioned by @susanslusser. Deal is for prospects. Waiting on names.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 23, 2015
Of course it’s for prospects, because this is Billy Beane we’re talking about, after all.
Being 11 games out of the American League West race, it was expected that the A’s would make this move, although tossing him over to the Astros might come as a shock to some folks. But it seems as if Beane trading within the division is a risk that he’s willing to take for the future.
As for what the Astros are getting out of this, well, they’re getting some needed help in the pitching rotation down the stretch run of the season. Right now Houston is in a tight race with the Los Angeles Angels, as they currently sit just two games behind the division leaders.
On the season thus far, Kazmir is 5-5 with a 2.38 ERA and 101 strikeouts. You had to assume for a while now, especially with the push the Angels have been making that the Astros would be looking to add an arm to that rotation.
Thursday, they got the arm they were looking for.
In an update, here’s the prospects that the Athletics received in the deal:
#Athletics trade LHP Scott Kazmir to Houston for RHP Daniel Mengden and C Jacob Nottingham; recall RHP Arnold Leon
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) July 23, 2015
More from Houston Astros
- NY Mets: 4 monstrous trade packages for Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer
- MLB Rumors: Willson Contreras trade suitor, Reds surprise move, Giolito war
- MLB standings ordered by hard hit rate: Struggling Cardinals still cracking bats
- MLB Rumors: Yankees, Astros set for trade showdown for big-name bat
- MLB rumors: Justin Verlander buzz, Astros target All-Star, Reds-White Sox deal