Royals pursuing Scott Kazmir, close to deal for Chris Young

While the Royals have been mostly quiet on the Ben Zobrist and Alex Gordon front, their attention may be turned to adding a starting pitcher. Buster Olney of ESPN reports the Royals are pursuing left-handed pitcher Scott Kazmir, who spent last year with the Athletics and Astros. Kazmir posted a 3.10 ERA in 31 starts last year with 3.98 FIP and 7.62 strikeouts-per-nine innings. Kazmir slumped after being traded to the Astros with a 4.17 ERA in Houston and a 6.93 ERA over his last five starts. He started Game Two of the American League Division Series against the Royals, giving up three runs in 5 1/3 innings, getting a no-decision in the Royals comeback victory.

Kazmir turns 32 next month and has won 98 games with a 3.96 ERA in 11 Major League seasons with the Rays, Angels, Indians, Athletics, and Astros. He began his career as a fireballer, but lost his command and effectiveness and was out of baseball in 2012. He rebounded in 2013 with the Indians and has been a 2+ fWAR pitcher every season since.

The Royals had the fourth-worst ERA for starting pitchers in the American League and will almost certainly lose pitcher Johnny Cueto to free agency. Kazmir is expected to command a three-year contract worth around $12-15 million per season. He will not cost a team a draft pick.

Joel Sherman of the New York Post also reports the Royals are very close on a two-year deal to re-sign pitcher Chris Young.

#Royals are close to reunion with RHP Chris Young on 2-yr deal. Believed in $10-$11M range. Expected done by end of Meetings

— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 6, 2015