Fansided

MLB Rumors: 10 free agency signings that need to happen

By Steven McNeil

Oct 4, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis (19) doubles during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis (19) doubles during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 11
Next
Oct 9, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Scott Kazmir (26) throws a pitch against the Kansas City Royals in the first inning in game two of the ALDS at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Scott Kazmir (26) throws a pitch against the Kansas City Royals in the first inning in game two of the ALDS at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /

7) Scott Kazmir SP – Chicago Cubs

This deal needs to happen for the Chicago Cubs. While the Cubs have already been declared winners of the offseason and the rival St. Louis Cardinals have been declared the losers. The Cubs still have a lot to prove next season, and the expectations are even higher now that they have laid out all the cash this offseason by signing Jason Heyward, Ben Zobrist, and John Lackey.

However, when you consider that Lackey and and Jake Arrieta are both due to decline from their 2015 numbers –and who knows what you will get out of a 37-year-old Jon Lester– the rotation becomes a bit of a focal point. Look, the Cubs have arguably the best offense in baseball, second to only maybe the Toronto Blue Jays. But, that rotation is suspect at best.

If you add in Scott Kazmir, you are getting another veteran presence to that rotation and a guy who is having a bit of a career renaissance. If you look at the numbers that Kazmir put up in Oakland against the American League, one can only wonder what he would do in Chicago pitching against teams like the Reds and Brewers who are obviously in rebuilding mode.

Kazmir didn’t pitch well with Houston this year, with his 4.17 ERA through 13 starts. There could be some concern about the Wrigley Field factor, making Kazmir questionable for the Chicago Cubs, but a move like this would put further pressure on their rival St. Louis Cardinals.

Next: Daniel Murphy

Home/Baltimore Orioles