Scott Kazmir no longer an option for Orioles

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

December 30, 2015, 10:38am

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Left-hander Scott Kazmir is off the board, and he's not on the Orioles' 40-man roster.

The Dodgers announced today that they've signed Kazmir to a three-year deal. Various reports have the total value at $48 million, and the contract includes an opt-out clause after the first year.

Maybe the Orioles will get another shot at him next winter.

The Orioles apparently were willing to go three years with Kazmir, but he sought a fourth year in the earlier stages of free agency - a deal-breaker for executive vice president Dan Duquette.

In the end, Kazmir took three years from the Dodgers and left the Orioles still searching for a starting pitcher for one of the top slots in their rotation.

The Orioles don't have a left-hander in their rotation with Wei-Yin Chen's expected departure. Chen is seeking a five-year, $100 million deal, according to a source.

Manager Buck Showalter and pitching coach Dave Wallace downplay the importance of counting a left-hander among their starters, saying they'd rather get a good right-hander than a mediocre southpaw. The Orioles remain in the mix for Yovani Gallardo, and their pursuit could intensify with Kazmir no longer an option.

Another possibility is Mat Latos, who is likely to take a one-year deal and attempt to re-enter the market. The Orioles have shown interest in him, as well.

The Dodgers could have five left-handers in their rotation - Kazmir, Clayton Kershaw, Brett Anderson, Alex Wood and Hyun-jin Ryu - which I assume would be a first without actually looking it up.