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MLB Free Agency: 7 best pitchers left on the market

By Rob Wolkenbrod

Oct 28, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Johnny Cueto (47) reacts after throwing a complete game to defeat the New York Mets in game two of the 2015 World Series at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 28, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Johnny Cueto (47) reacts after throwing a complete game to defeat the New York Mets in game two of the 2015 World Series at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 30, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Houston Astros pitcher Scott Kazmir (26) throws against the Seattle Mariners during the fourth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Houston Astros pitcher Scott Kazmir (26) throws against the Seattle Mariners during the fourth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

3) Scott Kazmir

Houston Astros free agent starting pitcher Scott Kazmir checks in at No. 3 on this list.

Last season, Kazmir had a dominating first half for the Oakland Athletics. He sported a 2.38 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 8.3 strikeouts per 9 innings. These numbers are why he ranks ahead of Leake, Kennedy and Gallardo, despite a lackluster second half and past problems.

Kazmir’s numbers declined in a move to Minute Maid Park after the trade to the Houston Astros. He had a 4.17 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 6.6 strikeouts per 9 innings. He allowed 18 runs in 6 home starts, which doesn’t sound terrible until you see only 1 start went to 7 innings while the rest ranged between 3.2 innings and 6 innings. 6 innings was only reached once at Minute Maid Park during Kazmir’s two months.

What also hurts Kazmir is his past. While he did reinvent himself with the Cleveland Indians in 2013 and Oakland from 2014 to 2015, he did have some terrible years before hand. He got to the point where he was not in the MLB for all of 2012 and made one appearance in 2011.

It’s possible teams overlook the past and still give him a nice contract. Maybe the Dodgers give him a contract (favorites to sign almost everyone) or the New York Yankees reach out to him.

Next: No. 2 Hisashi Iwakuma

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