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MLB Trade Deadline: Top 5 pitchers on the market

By Connor Muldowney

Jul 12, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto (47) reacts in the dugout during the sixth inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 12, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto (47) reacts in the dugout during the sixth inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 4, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija (29) is congratulated in the dugout during the eighth inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 4, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija (29) is congratulated in the dugout during the eighth inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

I’m still a firm believer that Jeff Samardzija can be a No. 2 or No. 3 starter in a team’s rotation. It took the 30-year-old a couple of years to get acquainted with a starting role, but he has become much more comfortable with the ball every fifth day.

The Chicago White Sox aren’t going to win the AL Central this year, barring a miraculous comeback, so the idea of dealing Samardzija for a couple of prospects for the coming seasons has been something they have thought seriously about.

Acquiring the former college football star this offseason after he spent his first six and a half years with the Cubs and the second half of last season with the Athletics, the White Sox were hoping the former crosstown rival would fit in to the top of the rotation.

So far, it hasn’t panned out.

After 19 starts, he has posted a 6-5 record with a less-than-impressive 4.08 ERA and 105 strikeouts. He is definitely under-performing given his talent level and he may need a change of scenery to make an impact on a top-tier club.

Look for Samardzija to join a playoff-bound squad by the trade deadline and make a big second half comeback.

Next: 3. James Shields, San Diego Padres

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