Morning Marquee: Jeff Samardzija traded to White Sox

After being dealt from the Chicago Cubs to the Oakland Athletics in early July, right-hander Jeff Samardzija is again on the move.

More from Cubbies Crib

According to reports, the White Sox have acquired Samardzija in exchange for infielder Marcus Semien and a pair of prospects, including Chris Bassitt – who made his big league debut with Chicago last season. This reported deal came hot on the heels of the team signing free agent closer David Robertson to a four-year, $46 million contract earlier in the evening.

As far as the North Siders go, the Cubs are reportedly in talks with the Arizona Diamondbacks regarding backstop Miguel Montero, who has three years and $40 million left on his deal with Arizona. The deal, which is not yet completed, would send Montero to Chicago in exchange for some low-level pitching prospects should it go final.

The Jon Lester sweepstakes could stretch into Wednesday now, as the southpaw is reportedly weighing four offers in the six-year, $150 million range – with one deal supposedly stretching to seven years totaling $175 million. The Cubs, San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox are all in on the veteran ace.

The Cubs also shored up their rotation, signing free agent Jason Hammel to a two-year deal after sending him to the Athletics in the same trade that sent Saamardzija packing, bringing Addision Russell into the fold in the process.

Here’s more from the Winter Meetings:

“White Sox make huge splash, land Samardzija, Robertson” – Southside Showdown

“Hammel returns to Cubs on two-year deal” – Cubbies Crib

“Indians acquire Moss from Oakland” – Call to the Pen

“Jon Lester talks enter final turn” – ESPN

“Cubs, Diamondbacks again talking Miguel Montero” – Cubbies Crib

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