Jeff Samardzija Trade Rumors: Latest Buzz, Speculation Surrounding White Sox SP

Amid one of the most vibrant pitching markets before the trade deadline in recent memory, Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija remains an intriguing option for contenders and could be one of the players on the move this summer. 

Continue for updates. 

---

Blue Jays, Giants Leading Push for Samardzija

Tuesday, July 28

Jon Morosi of Fox Sports reported the Blue Jays have continued talking to the White Sox about a potential trade for Samardzija.

On July 27, Dan Hayes of CSN Chicago noted Toronto is the suitor most interested in Samardzija's services, though the San Francisco Giants also remain in the running to bring him aboard. 

That echoes previous reports from both Morosi and Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports that the Blue Jays were interested in Samardzija. Meanwhile, MLB Network's Peter Gammons thinks Samardzija is a great fit for the Blue Jays:

Samardzija has had a strong season for the White Sox, going 8-5 with a 3.94 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 111 strikeouts in 148.1 innings pitched. Along with his streak of seven-inning starts, he's also allowed just 10 earned runs in 39.2 innings over his last five starts, making himself all the more intriguing for contenders looking to bolster their rotation. 

"All I can do is increase my value as much as possible and make both sides come out on top," Samardzija told Colleen Kane of the Chicago Tribune when asked about the possibility of being traded. "The better I play, the better the White Sox will get in return if they do trade me, and then it's better for me to go to a better situation. But again that's out of my hands."

With Chicago a longshot to reach the postseason at 48-50, dealing Samardzija would certainly be justifiable as the team looks to add a few young assets and retool for next season. Meanwhile, Samardzija would bolster a contending team's rotation and likely get a shot to pitch in the postseason, making a trade pretty beneficial to all parties involved.