Dodgers sign Scott Kazmir to 3-year contract

LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers finally made a relatively big move this offseason, signing starting pitcher Scott Kazmir to a three-year contract, the team announced on Wednesday. The contract is worth a reported $48 million per both Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times and Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, with Heyman reporting that Kazmir has an opt-out clause after just one season.

Kazmir, who turns 32 in January, was 7-11 with a 3.10 ERA and 3.98 FIP in 31 starts between the A's and Astros in 2015, with 155 strikeouts and 59 walks in 183 innings. He was 2-6 with a 4.17 ERA and 5.19 FIP in 13 starts down the stretch with Houston.

Over the last three years, Kazmir has averaged 31 starts, 177 innings and 160 strikeouts while putting up a 3.54 ERA and 3.61 FIP.

Because Kazmir was traded midseason he was not eligible for a qualifying offer, which means the Dodgers don't have to surrender a draft pick for signing him.

Kazmir pitched with the Rays under Andrew Friedman until he was traded to the Angels in 2009, and was with the A's in 2014 when Farhan Zaidi was the assistant general manager.

This gives the Dodgers yet another left-handed starting pitcher to join Clayton Kershaw, Brett Anderson and Alex Wood, with fellow southpaw Hyun-jin Ryu coming back from shoulder surgery. The most starts by left-handed pitchers for the Dodgers since 1914 is 112, set in 1965.

Hey @ClaytonKersh22 the entire rotation is going to use your glove as a sign of solidarity.

— Brett Anderson (@BrettAnderson35) December 30, 2015

Right-handed starter Brandon McCarthy is recovering from Tommy John surgery, and not expected back until the All-Star break.

.@Dodgers This is blatant handism and I'm filing a hostile workplace grievance

— Brandon McCarthy (@BMcCarthy32) December 30, 2015

To make room for Kazmir on the 40-man roster, outfielder Daniel Fields was designated for assignment.