Giants Sign Pitcher Scott Kazmir to a Minor League Deal
Former All-Star Joins Giants on Minor League Contract
The Arizona Diamondbacks have traded left-handed pitcher Scott Kazmir to the San Francisco Giants for right-handed pitcher Chris Flexen, according to sources.Kazmir, 38, is a three-time All-Star and has pitched in the majors for 13 seasons. He was with the Giants in 2021, but was released in August after struggling to a 6.05 ERA in 12 starts.
The Diamondbacks are getting a young pitcher with upside in Flexen, who is 28 and has a career 4.04 ERA in 100 starts since 2017. He was 7-9 with a 3.95 ERA in 2022 for the Giants.
The addition of Kazmir gives the Giants another veteran arm, and while he's been given a minor league deal, he could bolster their rotation should injuries occur.In 2022, Kazmir's fastball averaged 90.1 mph, and he relied heavily on his sinker and changeup. The Giants have a lot of hope for the oft-injured southpaw to regain his previous form.
Kazmir has a career record of 108-99 with a 4.28 ERA.
Giants Rotation Outlook
Kazmir is likely to begin the season in the minors, so the Giants' rotation to begin the 2023 season is likely to be:
- Logan Webb
- Alex Cobb
- Ross Stripling
- Anthony DeSclafani
- Sean Manaea
The Giants are also hoping to get left-hander Carlos Rodon back from free agency, which would give them a formidable 1-2 punch at the top of their rotation with Webb.
Diamondbacks Rotation Outlook
The Diamondbacks have a young rotation, led by Merrill Kelly, who is 30 years old and coming off a breakout season in which he went 13-8 with a 3.08 ERA.
Behind Kelly, the Diamondbacks have a lot of question marks. Zac Gallen is a talented pitcher, but he has been injured the past two seasons. Madison Bumgarner has not been the same pitcher since he left the Giants, and he is entering the final year of his contract.
The Diamondbacks are hoping that Flexen can be a solid addition to their rotation, but they will likely need more help if they want to compete in the NL West.
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