San Francisco Giants: Jeff Samardzija not retiring just yet

Despite being let go by the San Francisco Giants, Jeff Samardzija still has his heart set on pitching in 2021.

As the 2020 season comes to a close, the San Francisco Giants have been parting ways with numerous disappointments. Franchise icons Hunter Pence and Pablo Sandoval were released, with Pence announcing his retirement on Saturday. There has been a lot of change by the bay over the past couple of weeks.

Those changes continued on Saturday as the Giants released Jeff Samardzija. Since he is in the final days of the five year, $90 million contract he signed prior to the 2016 season, this move is essentially symbolic.

This move is also interesting given that the Giants had activated Samardzija from the Injured List to pitch in the second game of their doubleheader on Friday. However, he allowed three runs on three hits in his three innings of work, not exactly giving the Giants a reason to keep him in the fold.

For Samardzija, that was just the final outing of what has been a disappointing campaign. He made just four appearances due to a shoulder impingement that landed him on the shelf on August 7th, allowing 19 runs, 18 earned, on 21 hits and four walks over 16.2 innings, striking out six. Samardzija was also victimized by the long ball, giving up seven homers this season.

Given his struggles this season, and his unceremonious departure from the Giants, it would be understandable if Samardzija considered retirement. Instead, he is determined to pitch next season as he looks to resurrect his career.

It was not that long ago that he was a solid back of the rotation option. In 2019, Samardzija posted a 3.52 ERA and a 1.108 WHiP in his 181.1 innings, striking out 140 batters with 49 walks. He has also been a reasonably solid pitcher throughout his career, capable of eating innings virtually any time out.

Chances are, Samardzija will not cost much during the offseason. He may well be looking for a one year ‘make good’ deal to prove his value before re-entering free agency again next year. For a contending team looking for a back of the rotation arm, or a rebuilding franchise looking for a potential trade chip, Samardzija would be worth the price.

Jeff Samardzija plans on pitching next season. The former San Francisco Giants hurler would be an interesting lottery ticket.