The Atlanta Braves are going to eat Scott Kazmir’s $17.6 million contract without him throwing a pitch for the team this season. Atlanta announced that it has released the veteran pitcher after he sat out all of last season to injury.
The Atlanta #Braves unconditionally released LHP Scott Kazmir today.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) March 24, 2018
Kazmir, 34, was acquired by Atlanta from the Los Angeles Dodgers in the deal that sent Matt Kemp back to California during the offseason. In reality, his presence in the trade was to make the salaries work.
It’s still rather interesting that Atlanta would simply cut ties with a pitcher set to earn nearly $18 million in fully guaranteed cash this season. Apparently, the team didn’t have a need for the veteran arm. A 12-year pro, Kazmir has recorded 108 wins and earned three All-Star appearances during his time in the Majors. Whether another team gives him an opportunity moving forward remains to be seen.