MLB Trade Rumors: Chicago Cubs Could Trade Jeff Samardzija This Month
The Chicago Cubs could reportedly trade starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija to the Toronto Blue Jays if both camps fail to come up with an agreement on a contract extension, a veteran MLB analyst reported on Wednesday.
According to Bleacher Report MLB beat writer Jason Martinez, the Cubs could potentially move Samardzija before the start of spring training as they attempt to get significant pieces in exchange for the hard-throwing starting pitcher.
"Trading him now, however, makes a ton of sense when you consider that they're coming off of a 96-loss season and didn't make significant changes this offseason. They're still rebuilding and waiting for their crop of elite prospects to arrive. With or without Samardzija, this isn't a playoff roster," Martinez stated.
Toronto Blue Jays Still Eyeing Samardzija
The Toronto Blue Jays have maintained their interest in acquiring Samardzija via trade. However, the Jays' level of interest in Samardzija could subside quickly if they are able to land either of the two remaining highly-touted free agent pitchers such as Ubaldo Jimenez and Ervin Santana.
"Bruce Levine of 670 The Score reported that the Toronto Blue Jays have been the most aggressive team in pursuit of the 29-year-old right-hander, although that could change if they can land Ubaldo Jimenez or Ervin Santana on a free-agent deal, which Jim Bowden of MLB Network says is their expectation," Bleacher Report stated.
One trade proposal Martinez is pushing is the Jays getting Samardzija from the Cubs in exchange for outfielder Anthony Gose, reliever Sergio Santos and pitching prospect Daniel Norris.
"Both free-agent pitchers [Jimenez and Santana] will have competitive offers from other teams and will opt to not sign a long-term deal to play in Canada. That would leave them with Samardzija, whom they would acquire for outfielder Anthony Gose, reliever Sergio Santos and pitching prospect Daniel Norris," wrote Bleacher Report.
Samardzija, who went 8-13 with a 4.34 ERA and 214 strikeouts last season, could join an already formidable Blue Jays' starting pitching rotation that consists of former CY Young Winner R.A Dickey, Mark Buehrle, Brandon Morrow, and J.A Happ.