Fansided

One waiver trade deadline deal every MLB team should make

By Nicholas Ian Allen

Jul 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers general manager Jon Daniels and manager Jeff Banister (28) speak to media before the game between the Rangers and the San Francisco Giants at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers general manager Jon Daniels and manager Jeff Banister (28) speak to media before the game between the Rangers and the San Francisco Giants at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 23, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija (29) pitches during the first inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 23, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija (29) pitches during the first inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

The Chicago White Sox were very quiet at the non-waiver trade deadline in July, trading for infielder Justin Sellers from the Pittsburgh Pirates and not unloading some big contract veterans, as was expected.

In August, the White Sox signed John Mayberry, Jr. as a free agent. Those moves are far from aggressive, but they are closer to the actions of a franchise that thinks they still have a shot to make the playoffs than one that has given up. And despite a 5-8 August record so far, at five games back in the Wild Card race, that’s still a possibility.

However, despite only adding players over the last few weeks and avoiding selling them, many fans and experts think Chicago should try and get rid of high-priced players like Jeff Samardzija.

Samardzija is making $9.8 million this season, but will be a free agent at the end of the year. Therefore, it makes sense for the White Sox to get rid of him now in order to receive some compensation in addition to the draft pick they would receive if he left afterward. Even though he’s struggled in August, if Samardzija did in fact pass through waivers, he would be one of the most valuable trade options available during the waiver trade deadline. He’s one of the few players available that could bring back multiple mid-range prospects or potentially one highly valued youngster.

Teams interested in Samardzija are likely to include the Yankees and possibly the Giants, Angels and Pirates. New York makes the most sense, and might be willing to part with two prospects the caliber of Brady Lail and Abiatal Avelino to get a deal done.

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