The CttP Five: Most Desirable Trade Targets

Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

#4  JEFF SAMARDZIJA

Chicago Cubs’ pitcher Jeff Samardzija has seemed like he was on the verge of a breakout since he became a starter full time in 2012, but even though he hasn’t ‘broken out’ as such, he’s still been very good. Since 2012, he’s accumulated 5.8 fWAR while racking up 394 strikeouts. He has brought his walk-rate down from the sky-high levels he saw earlier in his career to a 3.1 BB/9 over the last two seasons. Samardzija has been great, and the Cubs teams he has played for have not. He’s talked about a desire to test free agency when his contract is up in two seasons, and the team has already (unsuccessfully) tried to discuss extensions with him. He’s only projected to earn $4.9 million next year, so the ever-rich Cubs aren’t going to be motivated to move him for salary relief, but they will be motivated to trade him as soon as they see he won’t fit their timetable for contention, as the earlier they trade him the better the prospects they’ll receive in return. Samardzija is a true front-line arm and should command a front-line return, and as such I would expect that the Cubs aren’t motivated to move him until they are confident that no higher value could be obtained. With the scarcity of great pitching, there’s almost always a better offer.