Yankees May Trade For Jeff Samardzija

Sep 17, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Jeff Samardzija reacts after giving up a 2-run home run to Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Carlos Gomez (not pictured) in the seventh inning at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The Yankees are one franchise that doesn’t stand for losing. They are responding to their non-playoff-year by going on a spending spree that would make Kim Kardashian envious. Already this offseason they’ve acquired Jacoby Ellsbury, Brian McCann and Carlos Beltran. Now they’re looking to add some pitching as well.

They’d like to get a big-time stud pitcher I’m sure, but those guys are hard to come by. So they’re willing to settle for Jeff Samardzija.

Reports say the Yankees are trying to work out a deal with the Cubs that would involve sending outfielder Brett Gardner back to Chicago. Tom Loxas of Chicago Now says a third team would likely have to become involved for the trade to get done.

Samardzija looked like an ace-in-the-making at one point early in 2013 but he cooled off as the season progressed, finishing with an 8-13 record and a 4.34 ERA. Factoring in the normal drop-off you see when any NL pitcher moves to the AL, figure Samardzija as a fourth starter at best with New York.

Trade rumors have swirled around Samardzija pretty much for months – understandable given the way the Cubs have been selling off talent – and they only heated up more after the pitcher rejected a reported 5-year, $55-million contract offer from the team.

The Diamondbacks, Blue Jays and Angels have also come up in Samardzija trade rumors. The pitcher will be a hot name to follow at next week’s winter meetings.

Like Call to the Pen on Facebook.
Follow Call to the Pen on Twitter.
Subsribe to the Fansided Daily Newsletter. Sports news all up in your inbox.