Chance to Nab Jeff Samardzija Depends on Chicago
Sep 22, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija (29) throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Five days ago, it seemed like an Oakland Athletics trade of Jeff Samardzija was imminent and coming, all that needed to be figured out was which team would nab the former All-Star pitcher.
Now, reports of the trade have slowed down from a full-fledged fire to a slow simmer, making some question whether Oakland will wait to deal Samardzija, rather than trading him now.
There are three teams that have consistently popped up in trade talks with Oakland. All three however, have varying factors as to whether a trade is likely or even possible, so let’s take a look at where Samardzija could potentially land and how likely those odds are.
Atlanta Braves: Not Likely At All
Obviously, a Samardzija deal to the Braves makes total sense for Atlanta.
They need another starting pitcher and Samardzija has been consistent enough the past few seasons to lead that staff. The Braves had been reportedly dangling outfielder Justin Upton in return for the starter, a proven major league player that no other team has seemingly offered up. Upton, a former 2-time All-Star, would be a huge addition to Oakland’s lineup since he is still only 27-years-old, hit 29 homeruns and was a 3.3 WAR player in 2014.
On the flip side however, Atlanta is currently in rebuilding mode, something that wouldn’t entice Samardzija to ink a contract extension and avoid free agency. The Braves would rather attempt to sign Upton to a new deal than lose him for a one-year rental player like Samardzija.
Finally, various reporters and sources have said that discussions between Oakland and Atlanta are effectively dead and never really got started to begin with.
Chicago White Sox: Maybe
The Chicago White Sox are the wildcard team in the mixture of all the Jeff Samardzija trade speculation.
There are a number of factors that indicate why the White Sox should be the number one team in running for Samardzija. With the possible addition of Samardzija, Chicago’s starting pitching staff would easily be the best in the American League, maybe in all of baseball and Samardzija knows that. The White Sox have the money to pay Samardzija top dollar, starting pitcher money as well. Finally, Samardzija grew up near the South Side rooting for the Sox and he loves playing in US Cellular Field, something that he has reiterated numerous times in the past.
There are a few hills to climb first before we can plop Samardzija in Chicago’s staff. The price tag to get Samardzija may scare away GM Rick Hahn. The Sox would have to give away at least one of their two best prospects, Carlos Rodon and SS Tim Anderson. With no guarantee that Samardzija would re-sign if he was dealt to Chicago, if would be horribly irresponsible to trade away legitimate major league prospects for a one-year gamble, something that Hahn has said in the past.
In the end, there seems to be too much risk to take for Chicago to get Samardzija in a trade.
Boston Red Sox: Likely
Beantown seems to be the most likely destination for Samardzija if Oakland does ultimately choose to deal him.
The Red Sox are in need of more starting pitching, as demonstrated by their dogged pursuit of Jon Lester and their interest in Samardzija. If they get more pitching help, the Red Sox are ready for a playoff run in 2015, especially after bringing in more troops for their lineup with the signings of Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval. Finally, we all know the Red Sox also have the kind of money to give Samardzija what he desires, which reportedly could be upwards to $100-million dollars, of not more.
If a trade between Oakland and Boston were to go down, the Athletics would undoubtedly require that the Red Sox throw in some of their top prospects, which would include shortstop Xander Bogaerts and Mookie Betts. The signings of Ramirez and Sandoval may make these prospects expendable in the eyes of Red Sox brass so if Boston wants to make the leap towards Samardzija, the loss of prospects would not sting as much if they were to somehow lose Samardzija to free agency in 2016.