Report: Cubs and Diamondbacks talking SP Jeff Samardzija trade
We've got our first juicy trade rumor of the offseason, and it's a dandy:
There is an expectation that the Jeff Samardzija/Arizona trade talks will continue. Cubs reaching point where they need a decision on him.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) November 4, 2013
Samardzija made $2.64 million in 2013 and is arbitration-eligible through 2015. Unfortunately, he and the Cubs haven't been able to come to terms on a contract extension, hence the reported trade talks.
Samardzija had a 4.34 ERA and 1.35 WHIP in a career-high 213 2/3 innings this past season. He struck out 214 and walked 78.
He'll be 29 in January and has a career 4.19 ERA and 1.36 WHIP in 558 innings, along with a career 8.65 strikeout rate.
SB Nation's Justin Millar writes:
Though he has struggled with his command (his 78 walks allowed this past season was the 2nd highest total in the NL), Samardzija has shown that he can pitch at the top of a big league rotation, and he would fit in nicely in a Diamondbacks rotation that features numerous promising young arms, including 2013 All-Star Patrick Corbin, 2012 All-Star and Rookie of the Year runner-up Wade Miley, and former Athletics' rotation-headliner Trevor Cahill.
The Cubs have what many consider to be one of the top farm systems in the game, however, their organization is heavily loaded with offensive talent, and light on potential big league pitching. The Diamondbacks have an abundance of young arms that could enhance the likelihood that a deal gets done between the two clubs. While top prospect Archie Bradley is unlikely to move, Arizona has a trio of promising southpaws to offer up in Tyler Skaggs, David Holmberg, and Andrew Chafin. Skaggs and Holmberg have already reached the majors, but have yet to solidify a spot in the Diamondbacks' future plans. Chafin, a 2011 first round pick, reached Double-A in 2013, and posted a promising 2.85 ERA in the process.