Kazmir decides against free agency to remain with Dodgers
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Pitcher Scott Kazmir has decided not to opt out of the final two seasons of his contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, choosing to keep $32 million in pay rather than become a free agent.
The 32-year-old left-hander was 10-6 with a 4.56 ERA in 26 starts after signing a $48 million, three-year contract. He missed a month starting in late August with neck inflammation, then cut short an outing after one inning because of chest spasms.
A three-time All-Star, Kazmir received a $5 million signing bonus from the Dodgers and an $11 million salary this year, of which $8 million was deferred until Dec. 15, 2019. He is owed $16 million in each of the next two seasons, with $8 million a year deferred, payable on Dec. 15 in 2020 and 2021.
His decision was announced Monday.