Chicago Cubs: Starting rotation help could come from the Bay

Jeff Samardzija – Free agent 2020: 2-9, 4.81 ERA, 104 Ks, 91 2/3 IP

I know what Cubs fans are thinking. And while I consider Jeff Samardzija to be moved anywhere else first before heading back to the North Side, the trade potential looms.

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Samardzija (2-9, 4.81 ERA) has struggled though his walk rate (3.4 percent) is lower than the 5.3 percent it was this time last year. The one thing you can say for the Sharks is he’s an innings-eater. Over the prior three seasons, his inning totals have surpassed 200 innings pitched.

His home and road splits have suffered, but getting out of AT&T Park and particularly the NL West could be beneficial. His record is 0-and-5 against the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies.

The only way the Cubs make a trade with the Giants for Samardzija is if San Francisco agrees to pick up almost all of the salary and the Cubs are able to get away with sending mid-level or lower prospects.