Report: White Sox Emerge As 'Frontrunner' For Jeff Samardzija
(CBS) The White Sox's interest in Athletics right-hander Jeff Samardzija has been well documented by 670 The Score's Bruce Levine and many other outlets, and now it looks like that interest is heating up.
The White Sox have emerged as the "front-runner" to acquire Samardzija in a trade, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, who said the clubs have engaged in "serious talks." Oakland is said to be looking to replenish its farm system after making a failed run at World Series in 2014 by trading away key players/prospects to acquire Samardzija, Jason Hammel and Jon Lester.
The 29-year-old Samardzija has one year left on his contract, and to date neither he nor his agent have indicated he's willing to sign an extension before hitting the open market. That complicates matters, as it's a risk for the White Sox or anyone else to trade away young talent for just one year of his services.
Samardzija was 7-13 with a 2.99 ERA and 1.07 WHIP in 2014.
Oakland reportedly has interest in Chicago infielder Marcus Semien and top prospect Tim Anderson.