The Toronto Blue Jays are in the thick of the AL East race, but they're going to need some help before the trade deadline if they wish to remain in the postseason discussion. One of the top potential trade candidates has been linked to Toronto.
It's unknown what the Chicago White Sox's plan is before the deadline, but based on their performance this season and current standing in the AL Central, rumors indicate they could be selling some of their players. Right-hander Jeff Samardzija is speculated to be one of them because he'll be a free agent at the end of the season.
Although White Sox general manager Rick Hahn expressed interest in signing Samardzija to a long-term deal, it seems more and more unlikely that will happen between now and the offseason - barring a drastic turnaround, of course.
In the meantime, it's possible Hahn is exploring options to get value for Samardzija, and the Blue Jays could be one of those teams he's speaking with.
"Jeff Samardzija isn't having the year he had last year and this time he's only a rental, but scouts still mostly love him, and he should be quite popular," writes Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.
"Samardzija is on the list of the Jays, who are much more focused on enhancing the rotation than the pen."
Heyman went as far as predicting a deal between the two clubs:
"Proposed trade: Samardzija to the Jays for catching prospect Max Pentecost, a No. 1 pick a year ago."
ESPN Insider Jim Bowden has also alluded to the Jays trading Pentecost likely because Russell Martin is under contract through 2019 and there's no immediate need at catcher for the foreseeable future. Bowden's suggested the Jays trade Pentecost to the Philadelphia Phillies for closer Jonathan Papelbon and starter Aaron Harang.
Blue Jays' general manager Alex Anthopoulos previously mentioned the team is in the market for a starter and Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca says he could be ready to make a big move.
"The market leading up to the July 31 trade deadline is still in its infancy, with several key teams still deciding whether or not they'll be selling off assets. But if you talk to enough people you get the sense Anthopoulos has been busy trying to make something happen for a while now, and that for the right player in his viewpoint, he'll be willing to ante up the way he did for Martin and Donaldson."
There are a number of other options on the market, but Samardzija would be both an effective and economical acquisition, and that likely appeals to Anthopoulos.
