Report: Orioles, Cubs have mutual interest in Jeff Samardzija deal

Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Orioles are eying the top spot in the American League East and they think Chicago Cubs right-hander Jeff Samardzija can get them there, reports CBS’ Bruce Levine.

Baltimore is three and a half games back of the division-leading Blue Jays and have a premium young pitching prospects like Toronto that could entice the Cubs to trade the 29-year-old, who boasts a 1.68 ERA.

"Right-handed pitchers Dylan Bundy, Kevin Gausman, Hunter Harvey and left-handed pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez top the list of young arms the Cubs are scouting.Bundy may be the most interesting of the group. He’s now almost a year removed from Tommy John surgery. Bundy was picked by the Baltimore Orioles fourth overall in the 2011 draft and was rated with a 70 fastball and 65 curve on a scouting rating system that ranges from 20-80. Gausman is not far behind in scouting numbers with a 65 fastball.Harvey, the son of former All-Star closer Bryan Harvey, was Baltimore’s top pick (11th overall) in 2013. Like his dad, he has a fastball that reaches the mid-90s.Rodriguez throws in the 92-94 mph range. He has been moving up the chain with some needed maturity showing up in his arsenal this season."

Samardzija signed a five-year deal worth $16.5 million with the Cubs in January 2007 and the deal has a club option for a sixth and seventh year.

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