Do the Chicago Cubs want to keep starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija or trade him? Does Samardzija want to stay or leave? These lingering questions still have no final answer, but the Cubs have made steps toward trying to address them.
CBS Sports.com’ Jon Heyman reported Wednesday afternoon that the Cubs have offered Samardzija a five-year contract extension worth approximately $75 to 80 million, up from their previous offer of $60 million. This contract would have an average annual value of $15 to $16 million, something certainly worth considering for any Major Leaguer. Heyman also noted, though, that the right hander is not likely to accept the offer. Here are Heyman’s exact words from his Wednesday afternoon report:
“However, the chances of Samardzija signing the new proposal amount to something akin to the outmanned, out-of-it Cubs winning the World Series this year. If the odds are slightly better than that, it isn’t much.“
Even well before the non-waiver trade deadline approaches, Samardzija is the hottest name of players available for a contender to acquire. However, for Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer to let him go, they will most certainly ask for something very good in return — such as top prospects or even Major-League ready talent. They will not let him go so easily, especially since they still have him under team control through next season.
While most of us cannot even fathom the notion of turning down $80 million to play baseball, to many of these players, it is just not enough. Samardzija apparently wants more, and considering what other aces have received in recent years, it is tougher to blame him if he knows he can get it. In addition, Samardzija is very close to 30 years old, and this is most likely his one and only chance to land a blockbuster deal. He will certainly cash in through arbitration before next season, and he may want to test the market when he becomes a free agent after next season ends.
Besides, the prospect of playing for a potential champion can also attract anyone’s attention. Samardzija may not want to wait two to three years to see if the young talent in the Cubs’ farm system will turn into contenders and possible champions. Hence, the ongoing situation.
Still, Epstein and Hoyer need to do all they can to keep Samardzija a Cub. They need his talent and his veteran presence and leadership to help bring along the prospects. The toughest part is making sure they keep enough revenue to attract other free agents or veteran trade candidates to fill in the holes if and when the younger players do start to contend.
There is still time to make a deal that both sides will like, but both sides must show the willingness. The Cubs have made the offer. It is now up to Samardzija to give a response. He could at least make a counter offer and let the negotiations begin.
PHOTO CREDIT: http://voices.suntimes.com/sports/should-white-sox-shop-for-jeff-samardzija/
