The trade deadline has officially kicked off just nine days before it ends, thanks to a swap between two AL West clubs. The Astros picked up a starting pitcher they desperately needed from the disappointing A’s, who sent impending free agent Scott Kazmir to Houston in exchange for two minor-league players.
A’s trade Scott Kazmir to the Astros
The Astros are making their surprise contention count by adding one of the top rentals available.
Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports
For the Astros, it marks a serious turning point in what has been a long road back to respectability: they are buying at the deadline, doubling down on contention, and in the process added a significant starter to line up behind ace Dallas Keuchel in a rotation that needed that boost. For the A’s, it’s about trying to get something back for a pitcher who was likely going to exit the organization through free agency this fall. Daniel Mengden, a pitcher drafted last June in the fourth round by the Astros, and Jacob Nottingham, a 2013 draft pick and catcher, are that something back.
Mengden has scuffled a bit in his transition to High-A, but pitched well before that for thanks to a combination of strikeouts and grounders. Nottingham hasn’t shown up on any prospect lists, but the 20-year-old has batted .326/.383/.558 across two levels this year, so it’s clear why Billy Beane and the A’s are intrigued by him.
Kazmir is having the best season of his career, just in time for both the Astros and free agency. The veteran lefty has made 18 starts and compiled a 163 ERA+, which would rank second on the Astros to only Keuchel. Even if the Kazmir deal doesn’t work out for Houston, it will boost the southpaw’s profile this offseason: his being traded means he can no longer be given a qualifying offer, and the lack of draft pick compensation will make him very attractive to multiple teams this winter.
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