Jeff Samardzija and the Chicago Cubs came into the offseason knowing full well that they’d likely see one of two results: either the team would sign the right-hander to a contract extension or they’d trade him elsewhere. More than a month into the offseason the two sides appear to be no closer to finding a resolution.
The sides are still talking according to multiple sources, however, but it remains to be seen which path their efforts will take. Sources have suggested that the team’s top interest is signing Samardzija to an extension. It’s unclear what the framework of such a team might look like, both in terms of dollars and years. He’s under team control through the end of the 2015 season but his salary will continue to climb through arbitration. Samardzija is projected to earn upwards of $4.9 Million for the 2014 season. A strong year could push that figure closer to $10 Million for 2015, so there is certainly reason for the Cubs to want to lock him up before he comes close to departing via free agency. With at least two years of team control left he’d certainly command more via trade now than he will six months or a year from now.
He threw a career high 213.2 IP this past season, making 33 starts, but saw an increase in his hit rate (8.8 H/9) and walk rate (3.3 BB/9) from the year prior. Chicago’s offensive and bullpen woes certainly didn’t help, particularly as Samardzija struggled to keep the team in games on his own for much of the year.
Chicago’s willingness to move Samardzija has been no secret, stemming back to the team entertaining offers leading up to the July trade deadline. They certainly will not part with him for cheap, however, and an opposing team has yet to step forward with an offer strong enough for the Cubs to consider. Numerous teams are believed to have expressed interest in the 28 year old, but the Toronto Blue Jays have been rumored to be the one that’s been the most aggressive.