Fansided

10 struggling MLB stars poised for a second half breakout

By Connor Muldowney

Jul 5, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Seattle Mariners infielder Robinson Cano (22) reacts after flying out to deep right field against the Oakland Athletics in the first inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 5, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Seattle Mariners infielder Robinson Cano (22) reacts after flying out to deep right field against the Oakland Athletics in the first inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 28, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija (29) walks off the field against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 28, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija (29) walks off the field against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Jeff Samardzija. 3. player. 128. . SP. Chicago White Sox

The Chicago White Sox acquired Jeff Samardzija this offseason in hopes that he would help the team get back to its 2005 ways and finally compete for a World Series again. However, he has struggled mightily and the Sox are now in last place in the AL Central, 11 games out of first.

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White Sox News: Lucas Giolito has officially been traded
White Sox News: Lucas Giolito has officially been traded /

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    • Chicago will likely make a run, of sorts, before the season is over, but don’t expect them to make the payoffs or even earn a wild card bid. If the White Sox don’t make up any ground by the trade deadline, expect Samardzija to be on the move.

    Even if he isn’t traded by July 31, however, I would expect to see his second half numbers perk up as he finally hits his stride as an American League pitcher. Pitching in the AL is much tougher because there’s an added designated hitter, and Samardzija has learned that over the past two seasons.

    Samardzija isn’t doing terribly right now, but a 6-4 record with a 4.02 ERA through the halfway mark isn’t exactly what the White Sox ordered.

    Expect big things out of Samardzija for the rest of the year, and if he does get traded by the end of the month, he will make one team very happy.

    Next: 2. Carlos Gonzalez, RF, Rockies

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