Chicago White Sox make qualifying offer to Samardzija
The Chicago White Sox' decision on Wednesday to decline shortstop Alexei Ramirez' $10 million club option for 2016 was not a complete shock, but a bit of surprise.
The team's decision on Friday to make a one-year, $15.8 million qualifying offer to Jeff Samardzija was a no-brainer.
Near the end of last season, general manager Rick Hahn was asked about the potential move with Samardzija.
"He's going to have to go to the (free-agent) market and hear what's out there," Hahn said. "He's worked too hard and too long over his career to get to something that is very valuable to a player. We obviously have what we feel is a strong relationship with Jeff as well, and I'm sure we'll be in contact as the off-season unfolds. As this point, he's right on the doorstep of free agency and I fully expect him to explore that."
Samardzija is a free agent, and it is almost 100 percent certain he turns down this qualifying offer and signs with another team. The San Francisco Giants are already rumored to be interested in extending a multiyear offer.
By making the qualifying offer, the Sox will get a draft pick between the first and second rounds from the team that signs Samardzija.
When the White Sox acquired Samardzija in a trade from the Oakland A's last December, it looked like a perfect fit. Not only did Samardzija bring right-handed balance to a rotation stacked with left-handers, he slotted in perfectly behind ace Chis Sale. The Merrillville, Ind., native also grew up a Sox fan and was thrilled to be joining his hometown team.
But outside of an impressive string of 10 starts in which he pitched 7 innings or more from June 7-July 28, Samardzija was a flop in his one season with the White Sox, going 11-13 with a 4.96 ERA.
With holes at catcher, third base, shortstop and second base, the Sox have a lot of work to do this off-season.
They have plenty of depth in the rotation, and right-handers Erik Johnson, Frankie Montas and Carson Fulmer will compete for starting spots in spring training.