Chicago Cubs ace Jeff Samardzija has reportedly rejected a five-year, $85 million extension offer from the team, which is likely going to clear a path for his eventual trade prior to the July 31 deadline.
Source confirms Jeff Samardzija rejected a five-year offer from Cubs. Value was slightly more than $85 million, source said.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) June 18, 2014
Samardzija, who is 2-6 with a 2.78 ERA on the season, is in the final year of his contract. If the Cubs are unable to come to an agreement on an extension with the towering right-handed starter, they are almost forced to trade him. It’s either that or face the strong potential of losing him in free agency with only draft pick compensation coming their way.
The San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Angels and Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays are among the teams that have reportedly shown interest in the soon-to-be free agent.
In addition to that, it’s likely that other contending clubs will put a call in. The Oakland Athletics, New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers are all said to be looking for starting pitching help.
Photo: CBS Chicago