Scott Kazmir, American baseball player

Scott Edward Kazmir, born on January 24, 1984, is a distinguished American professional baseball pitcher, celebrated for his dynamic left-handed delivery and remarkable resilience throughout a career spanning nearly two decades. Currently a free agent, Kazmir has left an indelible mark across multiple Major League Baseball (MLB) franchises, showcasing his talent for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays/Rays, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Cleveland Indians, Oakland Athletics, Houston Astros, Los Angeles Dodgers, and most recently, the San Francisco Giants.

Early Life and High School Dominance

Born and raised in the baseball-rich Houston, Texas area, Scott Kazmir quickly established himself as a prodigious talent on the mound. During his high school career at Cypress Falls High School, he displayed unparalleled dominance, achieving the extraordinary feat of tossing four consecutive no-hitters. This remarkable consistency was complemented by his exceptional strikeout ability, averaging more than two strikeouts per inning. Such overwhelming performance naturally drew the intense attention of major league scouts from across the country, recognizing him as a top-tier pitching prospect with immense potential.

His impressive high school record culminated in the New York Mets selecting him in the first round as the 15th overall pick in the highly competitive 2002 Major League Baseball draft, signaling the beginning of his professional journey.

A Promising Prospect and an Infamous Trade

Kazmir's meteoric ascent through the New York Mets' minor league system quickly solidified his status as one of baseball's most coveted pitching prospects. His talent was undeniable, and it seemed only a matter of time before he would become a cornerstone of the Mets' rotation. However, his tenure with the Mets organization was brief. At the 2004 Major League Baseball trade deadline, in a move that would dramatically reshape both franchises, Kazmir was traded to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

This particular transaction has since been widely regarded and consistently cited by baseball analysts and historians as one of the most lopsided deals in modern MLB history. In exchange for the promising left-hander, the Mets received veteran pitchers Victor Zambrano and Bartolome Fortunato. The trade is frequently highlighted in discussions about regrettable decisions by front offices, given Kazmir's subsequent immediate impact and prolonged success in Tampa Bay.

Stardom in Tampa Bay and Initial Setbacks

Upon arriving in Tampa Bay, the Devil Rays swiftly called Kazmir up to the major leagues, and he made his highly anticipated MLB debut in August 2004, at the remarkably young age of 20. He quickly became a cornerstone and a consistent mainstay in Tampa Bay's starting rotation, providing a desperately needed ace for a franchise that consistently struggled. In each of his four complete seasons with the club (2005-2008), Kazmir impressively won at least 10 games, a significant achievement given that the Devil Rays/Rays were losing at least 90 games per year during much of this period.

His individual excellence was recognized in 2006 when he was named to his first All-Star team, cementing his status as one of the American League's premier pitchers. In 2007, he led the American League with an outstanding 239 strikeouts, showcasing his dominant pitch arsenal. Even today, Scott Kazmir remains prominently featured among Tampa Bay's all-time franchise leaders in numerous key pitching categories, including total strikeouts, earned run average (ERA), wins, and games started, a testament to his profound impact during his formative years.

However, the demanding nature of professional pitching began to take its toll. Kazmir missed significant time due to injuries in 2008 and early 2009, impacting his effectiveness. The Rays ultimately dealt him to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at the 2009 trade deadline, seeking to retool their roster.

Navigating Injuries and a Resilient Comeback

While Kazmir pitched effectively for the Angels in the remainder of the 2009 season, the subsequent years saw him struggle significantly with recurring injuries and a noticeable reduction in his pitching effectiveness. This challenging period ultimately led to his release by the Angels in June 2011.

Following his release, Scott Kazmir did not pitch in the major leagues for the next season and a half, dedicating this time to an arduous process of rehabilitation and working tirelessly to regain his prior form, velocity, and command. His perseverance paid off in 2013 when he signed a minor league deal with the Cleveland Indians. He successfully mounted a remarkable comeback, winning 10 games and placing an impressive third in the voting for the American League Comeback Player of the Year award, signaling his return to elite status.

Capitalizing on his resurgence, Kazmir signed a two-year contract with the Oakland Athletics for the 2014 season. He continued to thrive, earning a spot in the 2014 Major League Baseball All-Star Game and achieving a career-high 15 wins. His strong performance prompted the A's to deal him to his hometown Houston Astros at the 2015 trade deadline, providing a full-circle moment in his career. After the 2015 season, Kazmir signed a lucrative three-year, $48 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, marking another significant chapter in his journey.

The Olympic Stage and Continued Legacy

Kazmir contributed to the Dodgers with 10 wins in 2016. However, a series of persistent injuries plagued him in 2017, preventing him from pitching in the major leagues that season, and he did not appear professionally at all in 2018 or 2019. Despite these setbacks, Kazmir's indomitable spirit shone through once more, as he embarked on another comeback attempt in 2020, initially with an independent minor league team, showcasing his enduring passion for the game.

His extraordinary dedication culminated in a remarkable return to the major leagues in 2021 with the San Francisco Giants, where he made four appearances, proving his ability to still compete at the highest level after years of injury. His enduring dedication to the sport was further highlighted in 2021 when, alongside his MLB return, Kazmir was selected as a pivotal member of the United States national baseball team for the Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Demonstrating his clutch performance on a global stage, he started and secured the victory in the crucial quarterfinal game, contributing to Team USA's silver medal finish in the tournament.

Frequently Asked Questions about Scott Kazmir

Is Scott Kazmir still actively playing professional baseball?

As of now, Scott Kazmir is a free agent, meaning he is not currently affiliated with an MLB team. His last MLB appearances were in 2021 with the San Francisco Giants, following his participation in the Tokyo Olympics.

What made the Scott Kazmir trade to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays so significant?

The trade, occurring at the 2004 deadline, is widely considered one of the most lopsided in modern MLB history because the New York Mets traded away a promising top pitching prospect in Kazmir for pitchers Victor Zambrano and Bartolome Fortunato, while Kazmir went on to become an All-Star and franchise leader for the Devil Rays/Rays.

Which teams has Scott Kazmir played for during his MLB career?

Scott Kazmir has played for a variety of MLB teams, including the Tampa Bay Devil Rays/Rays, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Cleveland Indians, Oakland Athletics, Houston Astros, Los Angeles Dodgers, and the San Francisco Giants.

What were some of Scott Kazmir's key achievements in his career?

Notable achievements include being a three-time MLB All-Star (2006, 2014), leading the American League in strikeouts in 2007 (239 Ks), being a key contributor to the Tampa Bay Rays' success during their challenging early years, and representing the United States in the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.