The Oakland Athletics already have shown a willingness to sell off parts this offseason, and Jeff Samardzija might be next on the chopping block.
The right-handed pitcher — whom the A’s acquired from the Chicago Cubs in early July — is a name reportedly expected to come up in trade rumors this winter. The Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo reported Sunday that the Red Sox are among a handful of teams with potential interest in trading for the righty.
“Numerous teams are trying to obtain the right-hander, including the Red Sox, according to a team source,” Cafardo wrote in his Sunday notes column. “Samardzija is 29 and can become a free agent in 2016. (Oakland general manager)Â Billy Beane is fielding offers as he is in a trade frenzy trying to recreate his contending team. The Red Sox have all the pieces Beane would want, including young pitching and middle infielders.”
The asking price is high for the 29-year-old and rightfully so. Despite a 7-13 record (largely due to lackluster run support), Samardzija had arguably his best season in 2014. He tossed a career-high 219 2/3 innings and posted a 2.99 ERA. Samardzija has one year of arbitration left on his remaining contract and will soon be a free agent if he isn’t given a contract extension by whichever team acquires him in a potential trade.
The Chicago White Sox are another team reportedly in the mix to acquire Samardzija, according to reports.
Thumbnail photo via Jim Cowsert/USA TODAY Sports Images
