Is Jeff Samardzija Really Even Worth It?

While many are still watching the Cubs and Cardinals, the Dodgers and Mets, the Astros and Royals and the Blue Jays and Rangers go at it head-to-head I have turned almost all my attention over to the 2016 version of the New York Yankees. I can’t help it. The ink was barely dry on the Yankees walking papers for the 2015 season when speculation began about what, if any, free agents that New York would bring in and no name has been mentioned more than that of former Notre Dame standout and Chicago White Sox right-hander Jeff Samardzija. Samardzija to the Yankees almost seems like a done deal to many beat writers and fans but would Samardzija even really be worth it?

In no way is this meant to be a negative article about Samardzija and what his live arm could bring to the Yankees in 2016 as much as it’s just me, a fan, thinking out loud. Samardzija would join an already over-crowded list of names vying for a starting rotation spot in 2016 including Masahiro Tanaka, Michael Pineda, Luis Severino, Ivan Nova, CC Sabathia, Nathan Eovaldi and Adam Warren. Adding Samardzija would almost 100% send Warren back to the pen, not that this is the worst thing that could happen to the team this offseason, while either forcing Severino back down to Triple-A at least to start the season or force at least two of Pineda, Nova, Eovaldi and Sabathia to be traded or designated for assignment. Sabathia has a full no-trade clause and 10/5 rights and a huge contract again in 2016 leaving that group conceivably down to three.

Samardzija would also likely come attached to draft pick compensation assuming the Chicago White Sox offer him a qualifying offer worth $15.8 million and he declines. Samardzija would be a great asset to have, especially after seeing what Larry Rothschild did with another live arm that was full of talent that just needed a little coaching in Eovaldi in 2015, but is the risk worth the reward? If you’re asking me and if you’re asking Brian Cashman that question the answer is likely yes. If you’re asking Hal Steinbrenner, who is a season or two removed from trying to get under the luxury tax threshold, then that answer will likely be no.