Hot-Stove: Dodgers acquire Scott Kazmir; likely out on Jake Odorizzi

The Los Angeles Dodgers announced on Wednesday that they inked a deal with LHP Scott Kazmir to a three-year contract. The contract guarantees Kazmir a total of $48-million, although he also obtains an opt-out clause after the first season, and there are deferrals in the deal that will be spread evenly over a six year term.

Kazmir, who is expected to fill a void in the Dodgers’ rotation, will join Clayton Kershaw, Brett Anderson, Alex Wood and, if healthy, Hyun-jin Ryu, thus creating the potential for an entirely left-handed starting five.

Los Angeles pursued a reunion with Zack Greinke, but lost out on an eleventh-hour push from the Arizona Diamondbacks. When that deal fell through, the Dodgers made a strong push for Hisashi Iwakuma, although concerns about a failed physical prompted L.A. to try to restructure the deal. Iwakuma instead chose to reunite with Seattle, agreeing to a one-year deal with a pair of options, sending Andrew Friedman and company back to the drawing board. While there was some public interest in Jake Odorizzi by the Dodgers, L.A. alternatively elected to sign the free-agent Kazmir.

Taking into consideration the newly minted agreement with 27 year-old RHP Kenta Maeda, compounded with the Kazmir acquisition, I’d argue that the Dodgers are likely out on discussions for Odorizzi. It’s just as well, the Rays look to have a rather solid rotation going into Spring Training, with Chris Archer, Jake Odorizzi, Matt Moore, Erasmo Ramirez and Drew Smyly all but assured a spot in the front five.

Los Angeles is still in the market for a reliever, and General Manager Farhan Zaidi was candid on that search, saying:

We have some young guys in our pen who had some ups and downs, and I think they’ll grow from that and be better in 2016. Adding some veteran presence in a way that makes sense for the composition of our roster and pen is something we’ll continue to look at.

The Dodgers initially worked out a deal for Aroldis Chapman at the Winter Meetings, however, they backed out of the pact amidst reports of domestic violence by Chapman. It bears mentioning both LHP Jake McGee and RHP Brad Boxberger have been linked with Los Angeles in some capacity, yet a deal for either reliever does not appear to be imminent at the moment.

Noteworthiness

An aside, thank you for a wonderful 2015! We’re looking forward to big things in the new year, and we hope you continue to come along for the ride.