Grade the Trade: Chicago Cubs trade Jeff Samardzija to the Oakland Athletics

Back in 2014, the Chicago Cubs and Oakland Athletics had completely different goals than they do right now. On July 5th, both franchises took a step toward meeting their needs. The Cubs looked toward the future while the Athletics focused on winning that year.

To accomplish their goals, the two got together and executed a very effective trade for both sides. Starting pitchers Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel were traded to the Oakland Athletics. Moving in the other direction was a slew of young players, with current Cubs’ shortstop Addison Russell as the headlining piece.

At the time of the trade, Samardzija was pitching well but not earning very many victories for the hopeless 2014 Cubs. Upon arriving in Oakland, he continued to pitch very well for the Athletics. Over those final 16 starts, he delivered a 3.14 ERA. Although his 5-6 record was far from great, he kept his new team competitive.

More from Call to the Pen

• Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
• Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
• Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
• Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
• 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals

Hammel, on the other hand, didn’t finish off very strong in Oakland. He was only 2-6 with a 4.16 ERA in his 12 starts and one relief appearance. Worse, Hammel gave up the game-winning single to Kansas City Royals’ catcher Salvador Perez to end the Athletics’ playoff hopes in the wild card game.

Overall, Samardzija and Hammel spent a rather unproductive half season each with the Athletics. Oakland traded the man known as “Shark” the following offseason to the Chicago White Sox for their current shortstop, Marcus Semien, backup catcher Josh Phegley and rotation piece Chris Bassitt. Hammel rejoined the Cubs in free agency that same winter.

Back in Chicago, the effects of this deal had a longer lasting result. Russell worked his way up to the big leagues where he has become a productive member of the Cubs. At 23, he still has plenty of time to get even better.

Pitcher Dan Straily was an afterthought in the trade. He barely pitched for the Cubs, and when he did, opposing batters feasted.

Minor leaguer Billy McKinney also went from Oakland to Chicago in this particular trade. He is now with the New York Yankees hoping to climb up to the big leagues.

Next: Fall League rosters feature top prospects

This trade was the very definition of one team going for broke and another loading up on future talent. Since things didn’t work out well for the Athletics in 2014 and the Cubs did land a starting shortstop for the future, it’s easy to claim them the winners.

The Athletics did earn back a few points in this transaction by dealing Samardzija to the White Sox in an attempt to restock the farm system. Among those they acquired, Marcus Semien is the best. He’s still a downgrade over Russell whom the Athletics may have parted with a little too early.