The Chicago Cubs are now reportedly open to trading Jeff Samardzija, and reports indicated that at least six teams have already expressed strong interest in acquiring the ace pitcher.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today revealed that the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Angels, Baltimore Orioles, and the Toronto Blue Jays are showing interest in Samardzija.
The Yankees' interest in Samardzija is no surprise despite getting on a spending spree last summer. Their starting rotation have been hit by a multitude of injuries and were forced to name replacements to CC Sabathia, Michael Pineda, and Ivan Nova, who will be out for the rest of the season.
The Yankees are unsure whether or not Sabathia and Pineda can regain their old form when they return later in the season, leaving them with no reliable pitchers aside from Masahiro Tanaka and replacement Chase Whitley.
Aside from the six teams Nightengale mentioned, the Chicago Sun-Times, who first reported that the Cubs are already shopping Samardzija, also named the Seattle Mariners and the Atlanta Braves as Samardzija's possible landing spot.
The Sun-Times also reported that the Cubs are also looking to move Jason Hammel with sources saying that at least two teams have already submitted an offer to Chicago for either Samardzija or Hammel.
"Sources say the Cubs already have had trade talks with multiple teams regarding Samardzija and right-hander Jason Hammel. The Braves, Mariners and Blue Jays are among the most interested, with one source suggesting offers already have been made by at least two teams," the Sun-Times reported.
ESPN also reported that the Pittsburgh Pirates, Oakland Athletics, Miami Marlins, and the Orioles could make a run at acquiring Hammel as a stopgap solution to their pitching needs.
Both pitchers have performed well for the Cubs this season, but the lack of reliable hitters is hurting them as they continue to stay at the cellar of the National League standings.
Samardzija, who is contract until after the 2015 season, is 2-6 this season, but has a 2.77 ERA, while Hammel, who will become a free agent after the season, is 6-4 with 2.81 ERA in 13 starts this season.
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