The biggest Cubs’ rumor to come out of Orlando on Monday morning, the first full day of the Winter Meetings, was the Yankees’ interest in Jeff Samardzija.
The Yankees are looking to add one more starter that can pitch at least 200 innings next season. Samardzija would fit New York’s need but it is unlikely the two teams could matchup on a deal. The Cubs are reportedly looking for at least three young pitchers that project as top of the rotation starters. The Yankees’ system is barren, especially in the pitching department.
The Yankees join a list of teams that is believed to include the Blue Jays, Diamondbacks, Nationals, Orioles, Rockies, Braves, Angels, Phillies and Pirates interested in trading for Jeff Samardzija.
The White Sox could delay a possible Jeff Samardzija trade if they are willing to move Chris Sale. The Diamondbacks are one of the teams that would be interested in Sale if he is truly available and Sale will garner more attention than David Price or Jeff Samardzija by the teams looking to add a top of the rotation starter.
The Cubs are believed to be focusing on Jeff Samardzija and Masahiro Tanaka at this point of the off-season. The front office’s priorities could change depending on the starters the other 29 teams make available … plus if Masahiro Tanaka is posted.
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