Chicago Cubs Rumors: Jeff Samardzija returning to the North Side?
The Chicago Cubs are expected to be in the market for a starting pitcher this summer and that could lead to a reunion with Jeff Samardzija.
While there still is several weeks to go before MLB trade rumors pick up in relation to the July 31 non-waive trade deadline, the early expectation is that the Chicago Cubs will be in the market for a starting pitcher this Summer.
With Jake Arrieta expected to hit free agency this winter and John Lackey likely leaning towards retirement, the Cubs could look to address the future holes in their starting rotation by trading for a pitcher already under contract next season.
An option the Cubs could look at it is a starting pitcher that they are very familiar with. Bruce Levine of 670 The Score speculated on Thursday that the Cubs could look to trade for Jeff Samardzija of the San Francisco Giants.
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Samardzija, 32, us under contract through the 2020 season after signing a 5-year, $90 million contract with the Giants prior to the 2016 season. Of course, Samardzija was an original farmhand of the Cubs. Samardzija debuted with the Cubs at the Major League level during the 2008 season and eventually transformed into a top of the rotation starter with the North Siders. During the 2014 season, as part of their rebuild, the Cubs dealt Samardzija as part of the centerpiece of their package to the Oakland Athletics for shortstop Addison Russell.
The bridge between Samardzija and the Cubs has not been burned. The Cubs, considering their status as legitimate World Series’ contenders, are in the position that Samardzija envisioned for the team prior to being traded to the Athletics.
In 10 starts with the Giants this season, Samardzija has posted a 4.50 ERA along with a WHIP of 1.12. A dive into the advanced metrics would show that Samardzija has been more unlucky as opposed to bad. On the season, Samardzija has an xFIP of 2.90 with a 1.4 WAR.
If the Cubs are looking to trade for a starting pitcher without having to give up Ian Happ, then Samardzija may be the right option. Samardzija is a notch below the elite starting pitchers that the Cubs could target and that may be a relief to those that have already bought Happ-related clothing.
Next: Chris Archer an option for the Chicago Cubs?
Does a reunion between the Chicago Cubs and Jeff Samardzija make sense? Sound off in the comments section with your thoughts.