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Houston Astros: Who’s a Better Option, Scott Kazmir or Wei-Yin Chen?
Better Option for Astros: Kazmir or Chen?
Aug 17, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros pitcher Scott Kazmir reacts in the dugout after being pulled from the game in the sixth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Astros made the first big move pre-trade deadline this season when they acquired starting pitcher Scott Kazmir from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for two low-level prospects (catcher Jacob Nottingham and pitcher Daniel Mengden). My analysts considered the trade the steal of the deadline. Pre-All Star game, the lefty had a 2.49 ERA. He had a staggering 0.26 ERA in July over the course of five starts.
Kazmir was considered the missing piece for the Astros. However, post All-Start Kazmir was a bit of a different story. It was by no means a disaster. But, definitely short of expectations. Kazmir posted a 3.86 ERA and went 2-6 after the All-Star break. This offseason, Kazmir’s two-years $22 million dollar contract has come to a close. The Astros now have to decide to sign Kazmir to a muti-year deal that could be worth as much as three years and $48 million.
Another lefty starting pitcher entering free agency this offseason is the Orioles Wei-Yin Chen. Chen presents the Astros an alternative and potentially cheaper pitching option. This article will look and compare the pitchers to present who would be possibly a better fit for the Astros.
Next: Scott Kazmir
Scott Kazmir
Sep 30, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Houston Astros pitcher Scott Kazmir (26) throws against the Seattle Mariners during the fourth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
The Case to Re-sign Scott Kazmir
While the Astros didn’t unload their recent #1 ranked farm system by MiLB.com, they did give up potentially a valuable piece in Nottingham. In giving up some assets, the Astros had to have least to consider signing Kazmir to a deal in the offseason. Despite some second-half struggles, Kazmir still should have a good few years left in the tank. Righties only batted .225 versus Kazmir this season. After growing up watching the original Killer B’s in Bagwell and Biggio, some believe the Cy-Falls alumni may even consider taking a hometown discount to stay in Houston. Outside of Kazmir, the Astros don’t have many other left-handed pitchers to put in the rotation outside of Dallas Keuchel.
More from Climbing Tal's Hill
- Just how much better is the Houston Astros playoff rotation than the rest?
- Houston Astros: A Lineup Change to Spark Offense
- Astros prospect Hunter Brown throws 6 shutout innings in debut
- Always faithful Astros World Series champion Josh Reddick defends the title
- Michael Conforto declines Astros’ 2-year, $30 million offer
The Case to Not Resign Scott Kazmir
Is it possible that we have already seen Scott Kazmir peak? Kazmir will be turning 32 in January and signing him to a three-year $48 million deal maybe not be a financially wise decision for the Astros. The Astros can invest $48 million in a lot younger and more needed assets such as bullpen help. Plus, the Astros will likely have 1) Dallas Keuchel, 2) Collin McHugh, 3) Lance McCullers, 4) Mike Fiers, and 5) Scott Feldman to fill the rotation next season. They also have promising prospects in Mark Appel, Michael Feliz, Joe Musgrove, and Francis Martes.
Next: Wei-Yin Chen
Wei-Yin Chen
Sep 19, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Wei-Yin Chen (16) throws a pitch during the seventh inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Case to Sign Wei-Yin Chen over Scott Kazmir
More from Climbing Tal's Hill
- Just how much better is the Houston Astros playoff rotation than the rest?
- Houston Astros: A Lineup Change to Spark Offense
- Astros prospect Hunter Brown throws 6 shutout innings in debut
- Always faithful Astros World Series champion Josh Reddick defends the title
- Michael Conforto declines Astros’ 2-year, $30 million offer
Nearly two years younger than Kazmir, Chen presents the Astros a younger and potentially cheaper option than Kazmir. At 30 years old, the lefty has a career 3.72 ERA along with a 46-32 record. In 2014, Chen went 16-6, had a 3.54 ERA, and posted a 1.23 WHIP. In 2015, Chen improved his ERA to 3.34, went 11-8, and posted a 1.22 WHIP. In 31 starts this season, Chen only gave up more than three runs in four starts. Kazmir gave up more than three runs in four starts . . . after being traded to the Astros. Chen is consistent. With Astros run support, Chen could easily be a 15 game winner. Chen would likely be around $10 million per season.
The Case to Not to Sign Wei-Yin Chen
As previously stated, the Astros likely have five of their starts returning next season. If they feel comfortable with those five (Keuchel, McHugh, McCullers, Fiers, and Feldman) along with their plurality of prospects, then there is no need to sign anyone. Despite being a cheaper option than Kazmir, Chen could seek a four year deal if not more. This could potentially block some of their prospects an opportunity to see time in the majors.
Next: Potential Bullpen Trade Targets
Ultimate Recommendation
Baring trading Scott Feldman, I’d say sign neither. I think the original five listed and prospects who could get some starts this upcoming season can get it done for the Astros. After all, they pretty much did this past season with Kamir only going 2-6. IF the rotation does begin to slump next season, the Astros still have the trade assets to go acquire another starting pitcher. Plus, I would much rather the Astros spend their money on bullpen help.