Heyman: 'Spirited' Bidding Battle Awaits For Samardzija On Trade Market
(CBS) It's no surprise that the Cubs will look to be sellers as the July 31 trade deadline approaches, and on Monday morning, CBSSports.com MLB insider Jon Heyman joined the Mully and Hanley Show to discuss the latest in the rumor mill.
And as expected, there's a "99 percent" chance that Cubs right-hander Jason Hammel gets traded. He signed a one-year, $6-million contract with the Cubs in the offseason, so moving Hammel has long been rumored. He's been terrific this season, going 6-4 with a 2.81 ERA.
Moving fellow right-hander Jeff Samardzija -- who the Cubs control through 2015 -- isn't as much of a sure thing, Heyman said, but he still expects Samardzija to be moved close to the deadline.
"It's very rare a pitcher the magnitude of Samardzija would get traded in mid-June," Heyman said.
"Normally a player of that magnitude gets down to the final couple weeks of July. It's going to be quite a spirited battle for Samardzija, and I'm sure the Cubs will be looking to get more than they got for (Matt) Garza (in 2013 from Texas), which was terrific.
"But I think teams will be reluctant to give two or three times more (value) just because of the service time remaining," Heyman added of Samardzija being under club control for another 1 1/2 seasons instead of a free agent at year's end.
The Cubs acquired third baseman Mike Olt, right-hander Justin Grimm and pitching prospect C.J. Edwards for Garza.