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Heading in to the 2013 season, it appeared that Jeff Samardzija was a core piece for the future of the Chicago Cubs. Now, there seems to be a new trade rumor involving him every day.
In his first full season as a starting pitcher in 2012, Samardzija went 9-13 with a 3.81 ERA. He struck out an impressive 180 batters in 174.2 innings pitched. In 2013, Samardzija seemed to take a small step back going 8-13 with a 4.34 ERA. He still had an impressive strikeout total with 214 in 213.2 innings pitched, but he seemed to be getting hit hard more often.
Since last off-season, the Cubs have been looking to sign Samardzija to a long-term deal. His current contract does not end for two more seasons, but the Cubs would like to sign him to a team friendly extension, similar to the ones that Starlin Castro and Anthony Rizzo have signed. Samardzija has not shown much interest in signing an extension yet and it looks like he his willing to test his luck in free agency as soon as he gets a chance.
Because of the failed contract-extension talks, the Cubs have mentioned Samardzija’s name in trade talks. If they can land a fair return, I think that this would be a good move. Samardzija is a very talented pitcher, but if he is not going to be around long-term, they might as get what they can for him when his value is high.
The team that always appears to be connected in Samardzija rumors is the Arizona Diamondbacks. Arizona was mentioned around the trade deadline as a suitor for Samardzija and have been once again the past few days. The two teams would seem to match-up well in a trade. The Cubs are looking to add young and cost controlled starting pitching and the Diamondbacks have a ton of that. They have Archie Bradley, who many consider to be the best pitching prospect in baseball, Tyler Skaggs, who is not far behind Bradley and other impressive pitching prospects like David Holmberg and Andrew Chafin.
The Cubs will surely insist on receiving Bradley in any trade involving Samardzija, but I doubt that the Diamondbacks would go for that. A package of prospects built around Skaggs and Holmberg seems realistic and would definitely catch the attention of the Cubs’ front office.
I am not saying that the Cubs should just take any deal for Samardzija. I am saying that if a team makes a legitimate offer that is better for the team in the long run, they should at least consider it. Samardzija does not seem interested in a long-term contract and appears to be willing to test the open market when he can. With the Cubs not appearing ready to compete anytime soon, they might as well try to land some long-term assets.
Daniel is a Chicago Cubs writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @D_Schmelzer, “Like” him on Facebook and add him to your network on Google.
