Four pitchers the Blue Jays should target in trade talks

Apr 24, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Scott Kazmir (26) throws a pitch against the Houston Astros during the sixth inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

Scott Kazmir – Oakland Athletics

Billy Beane always seems to have one of these pitchers that is heading toward free agency and if we know anything about Beane, it is that he’s always willing to make a deal happen. This year, that piece happens to be left-hander Scott Kazmir.

At 31-years-old and seemingly around forever, Scott Kazmir is the epitomy of a pitcher that has gone through it all, and he’s run hard with his second chance. Currently pitching on the last year of a guaranteed deal with the Oakland, Kazmir has put up an impressive 2.75 ERA, a 3.85 FIP, and an ERA+ of 147. Additionally, he’s striking out batters at a 9.2 K/9 ratio and is averaging about 6.5 innings per start. Needless to say, he could help a staff significantly if the right team comes calling.

Of course, the right team calling is still going to have to deal with Billy Beane, and Beane isn’t necessarily going to give Kazmir away, even if he’s pitching on a walk year. However, with Jarrod Parker and A.J. Griffin due for midseason returns, Kazmir could be had for the right price.

Likelihood of a deal happening:

Alex Athopoulos and Billy Beane have had a good relationship in terms of dealing, and the pair showed during this winter’s trade involving Josh Donaldson that a trade can be made without necessarily surrendering the top prospects in your system. Beane likes to think outside the box a bit and will evaluate everyone on the depth chart, looking for that diamond in the rough, and he may have to do just that with the Blue Jays farm system. The Blue Jays may not want to mortgage the farm system for a short-term rental, but it is possible a deal could be made with lower level talent.

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