Jeff Samardzija Trade Rumors: Latest Buzz, Speculation Surrounding Athletics SP

The Oakland Athletics have traded one off their most prized assets, starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija, to the Chicago White Sox.

Continue for updates.

Tuesday, Dec. 9

A's, White Sox Agree to Samardzija Trade

"#WhiteSox trade to acquire Jeff Smaradzija is official. We just spoke w/Sox VP Kenny Williams who says the team hopes to keep him long term," reported David Kaplan of CSNChicago.com.

Earlier, Susan Slusser of The San Francisco Chronicle reported multiple players potentially involved in the deal:

USA Today's Bob Nightengale also reported that the White Sox and A's had already decided on the details of the trade before Tuesday's announcement:

The Samardzija deal comes on the heels of a reported agreement with ex-New York Yankees closer David Robertson.

Monday, Dec. 8

White Sox Emerging as Favorites, A's Not Expected to Grant Negotiating Window 

"The Chicago #Whitesox are looming as the #frontrunner to acquire #Athletics ace Jeff Samardzija after the clubs engaged in serious talks," reported Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

"Some who've spoken with Oakland re: Samardzija don't expect the A's to grant a negotiating window to any interested team," added ESPN's Buster Olney.

Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports reports on what the A's would receive in return: "Sources: If the White Sox do deal for Jeff Samardzija, return would be Marcus Semien and prospects. A's would slot Semien in at shortstop." 

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports that a deal is "close", and that "it appears likely" Samardzija will end up with the White Sox. 

Sunday, Nov. 30

Samardzija Won't Be Heading to Atlanta, Red Sox Reportedly Interested

John Hickey of the Bay Area News Group reported Samardzija wouldn't be heading to the Braves, while Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe reported the Red Sox are considering the star pitcher:

"

Numerous teams are trying to obtain the righthander, including the Red Sox, according to a team source. Samardzija is 29 and can become a free agent in 2016. GM Billy Beane is fielding offers as he is in a trade frenzy trying to re-create his contending team. The Red Sox have all the pieces Beane would want, including young pitching and middle infielders.

"

Saturday, Nov. 29

Oakland Targeting Alexei Ramirez, Tim Anderson

Susan Slusser of The San Francisco Chronicle has the latest on Samardzija:

"

As I reported yesterday, the White Sox are among the teams with interest in Oakland starter Jeff Samardzija, and while many outlets today are reporting that shortstop Alexei Ramirez is the A’s target, I’m hearing that minor-league shortstop Tim Anderson is also a player Oakland likes a lot.

Anderson, a first-round pick in 2013, played 10 games at Double-A last year, so he’s not quite big-league ready, but he’s a name to keep in mind. He’s ranked the White Sox’s No. 2 overall prospect, though, so he’d be a tough get. Would the White Sox move him for one year of Samardzija? Maybe, if they had some assurance Samardzija would sign a contract extension.

"

Samardzija on the Trading Block

Susan Slusser of The San Francisco Chronicle reported earlier in the night that Oakland was considering trading Samardzija:

The White Sox were among the teams Slusser originally mentioned as a possibility:

The A's already sent Josh Donaldson to the Toronto Blue Jays for Brett Lawrie and prospects:

Trading both Donaldson and Samardzija would further signal that Oakland's beginning to rebuild.

The 29-year-old made 16 starts for Oakland last year after moving midseason from the Chicago Cubs. He went 5-6 with a 3.14 earned run average in 111.2 innings pitched.

Since the right-hander has only one more year left on his deal, whatever the A's could get in return is unlikely to match what they received in the Donaldson deal.