Rumors, rumors, trade rumors: Samardzija to Yankees?

With the trading deadline nearing, the rumors about players are swirling around.

The Yankees would be interested in Jeff Samardzija of the White Sox. According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, Samardzija would be a good fit with the Yankees.
Samardzija’s ERA is at 4.33. Noramlly I tend to say that an ERA like this isn’t anything special. But with the White Sox in last place of the AL Central, it may be better than one would expect. Through his career, Jeff’s ERA has been floating around 3.00 per season, except for 2013 (4.34), 2010 (8.38) and 2012 (7.53). But this year’s opposing batting average isn’t something to write home about: .277 so far.

The problem with those rumors is that with every post season and with every trade deadline nearing, the Yankees are linked to practically every player.

If the Yankees want to acquire Samardzija, what will it cost them? When it comes to the Yankees and trades, the asking prices are always steep. According to sources, the White Sox aren’t ready to sell, but if there are enough parties that show interest, they (the White Sox) can drive up the asking price. But what are the White Sox’ needs?
Looking to 2B Carlos Sanchez, he is struggling at bat with a .167 average (but that could be the sophomore jinx as he hit a respectable .250 last year). A trade chip that comes to mind is Rob Refsnyder. He may have a good bat, but his fielding is abysmal. And especially with the fielding, the Yankees are losing their patience. And when it comes to fielding, Sanchez is doing a very good job with a fielding percentage of .995.

Another need for the White Sox is a good hitting outfielder. And that is where Brett Gardner comes around the corner. The speedy Yankee outfielder has been the center of several rumors for being a trade chip. IMO the Yankees would be crazy if they trade Gardner away for a hired gun who will be FA after this season. He is under their influence until 2018. He is a threat on the base paths and could be a good 1-2 punch at bat with Jacoby Ellsbury if the latter is healthy.

And IF the Yankees trade for Samardzija, who will be removed from the rotation? Hard to tell. Nova is pitching too well so far to be removed. Sabathia? Where to go with him. I don’t think that he will fare better in the bullpen. So far the Yankees are not willing to release him because of the albatross of a contract that is hanging around his neck. But with C.C’s  current shape, I think that Samardzija will be an improvement over the tall righthander. If Tanaka will hit the DL again, trading for Samardzija may be a good move.

The best option would be to trade Samardzija for Sabathia, but I don’t think that the White Sox will be crazy enough to accept C.C. in a trade, even if the Yankees would take the biggest chunck of his salary. The purpose of a trade is to get better (in the long term) and that would not be the case if the White Sox would receive Sabathia in return.

It remains to be seen if these rumors are true. If the Yankees can shove away Sabathia and an additional player (preferably not a high profile farmhand) to the ChiSox, I am all for it. But it is very unlikely that that will ever happen.

A final thought on a possible Samardzija trade is the following: Samardzija, as said before, will be an FA after the 2015 season, so it will be very likely that he will be gone after the season. The Yankees will be in limbo here. Are they willing to trade away valuable prospects for short term success? Or did they learn their lesson and will they stay put and let other clubs take him?