Having finished as one of the runners-up in the Jose Quintana sweepstakes, the Astros are still looking to improve their rotation. That upgrade could come in the form of Giants right-hander Jeff Samardzija, on whom the Astros are “doing background work,” tweets Jon Morosi of MLB Network.
Samardzija, 32, would represent a potential multiyear piece for Houston, as he’s under control through 2020 on the five-year, $90MM contract he signed prior to the 2016 campaign. He’s still owed upward of $60MM, which would make him an especially costly acquisition for a Houston club whose biggest contract is the four-year, $52MM pact right fielder Josh Reddick signed before the season.
In the near term, Samardzija, who’s on pace for his fifth straight 200-inning season, would provide a mid-rotation workhorse to an Astros team that could use one. While the Astros easily own the American League’s best record (61-29) and have run away with the AL West, which they lead by 16.5 games, their rotation hasn’t been the picture of health this season. Dallas Keuchel and Lance McCullers have pitched like aces this year, but the former has hit the disabled list twice with neck issues and the latter has been on the DL once and, over the past month-plus, has struggled to go deep in games. Charlie Morton has also missed extensive time this year, and injuries have troubled him throughout his career, while Collin McHugh hasn’t pitched at all and Joe Musgrove hasn’t been sharp after a strong major league debut last season. Fortunately for the Astros, Keuchel and McHugh are nearing returns, while Brad Peacock and Mike Fiers have stepped up since Keuchel’s DL placement in early June.
Despite the myriad issues in their rotation, including David Paulino’s season-ending performance-enhancing drug suspension, Astros starters entered Saturday atop the AL in ERA (3.86) and third in fWAR (8.2). Samardzija has accounted for 2.3 fWAR, making him one of the majors’ most valuable starters in that metric’s estimation, but the hard thrower hasn’t prevented runs at a pristine rate. Through 118 innings this year, he carries a 4.58 ERA, largely thanks to a career-worst home run-to-fly ball rate (16.7 percent), an elevated batting average on balls in play (.323) and a low strand rate (67.1 percent). Going from pitcher-friendly AT&T Park in San Francisco to Houston’s Minute Maid Park likely wouldn’t do his already high homer rate any favors, though his sparkling K/BB ratio (9.07) – which is No. 1 among major league starters – could help lead to somewhat of a turnaround in the ERA department.
While the Astros may push to acquire Samardzija, it’s unclear whether the Giants would trade him or whether Houston is one of the eight teams he’d block a move to. Giants executive vice president of baseball operations Brian Sabean revealed earlier this week that the out-of-contention club is “open for business” as the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline nears, but he also plans to vie for a playoff berth in 2018. As such, the Giants could prefer to keep Samardzija in their quest to return to relevance next year.
Smokescreen
One can hope. Don’t want this guy anywhere near the rotation. I prefer Peacock and Fiers over him
For many reasons the Shark seems to make sense as a dark horse trade candidate for many teams looking for an upgrade for their pitching staff. His contract isn’t great (and perhaps the Giants would pay some of that for a better prospect return) but many of Samardizja’s stats seem to indicate that he’d help most rotations.
Whether the Shark is dealt or not, I still feel this is going to be a big trade season with lots of unexpected deals made.
No way the Giants would pick up any of that contract. The money owed is the going rate for any mid-rotation arm these days. Compare his contract with Jordan Zimmermann’s, and Mike Leake’s. Same year signings, similar contracts, and similar expected return value. Samardzija has performed better than both, and significantly better than Zimmermann. Since the price for FA pitching doesn’t go down, any FA mid-rotation innings eater is going to cost as much, and probably more,, than what Samardzija is owed. There’s no reason to pay someone to take Samardzija, and then spend more money to replace him. They’ll just hang on to him otherwise.
If they don’t pick up any of the contract they won’t be able to move him. No one else offered him more money in free agency and based on his performance since then I don’t think the other clubs regret not outbidding the Giants for his services.
He didn’t really field offers, the giants picked shark up as soon as grienke went off the market and as far as i know there weren’t any other standing offers
If they want legit prospects from the Astros, then they better eat money. Otherwise, it will just be a salary dumb for b level prospects. Frankly the Giants could use some of the upper level blocked Astros prospects. The depth of the Giants system is sparse. But the Astros probably won’t deal more than one if the giants don’t eat money.
If the Giants ate 20 million, I can see them getting Fisher and more.
On 29 other teams he’s a major downgrade. And at least 20 of those teams he’s still a #4 starter.
But why Giants still waiting???
Yorder Alvarez just got scratched from his start…
Do you mean Yadier?
He actually means Yordan I’m guessing. He’s a 1B though.
Ya that’s it my bad
He is the 1B prospect the astros got from LA for Josh Fields
Thank you. Promising bat gaining some prospect helium.
Mud Shark would get lit up at Enron Field.
Yep
Well don’t let any stats get in your way. But Samardzija has pitched 25 2/3 innings at Minute Maid, with a 3.51 ERA,, 2 HRs and 24 SOs..
Yeah, umm, that thing about sample size. Yeah.
That’s almost 3 complete games, or 4 starts of over 6 1/3 innings per game. That’s not exactly like a hitter with a .346 BA in 26 ABs. If Samardzija got traded at the deadline he’d probably have only about 5 starts in Houston for the rest of the season. And, apparently you are somewhat ignoring the peripherals.
Or it could be 5, 5 inning starts. When you say how many innings he’s pitched you need to include how many starts. It could be 6, 4 inning starts.
You missed the point. My post was in response to the “small sample” comment. I tried to illustrate in general that 25 2/3 innings in not that small a sample for a pitcher in a specific ball park. I didn’t post the number of starts for 2 reasons; anyone should be able to figure out that with those numbers he wasn’t being yanked after 4 or 5 innings (I guess I assumed too much thinking people would realize that), and he also had relief appearances He pitched exclusively out of the pen through 2011, and started exclusively since. Since you want specificity, it was 25 2/3 innings in 3 games in relief (4 1/3), and 3 starts (21 1/3), The average was over 7 innings per start.
hahaha, 6 four inning starts? his era was in the 3s he said. i think its safe to say if you pitch 25 innings and have an era under 4 then you probably started 4 times. he isnt getting pulled in the 5th inning all 6 times with only 2 runs allowed.
something tells me “24thekid” is one of the reasons why companies have to put those ridiculous safety warnings on their products
Is he going to be pitching vs the Astros if he gets traded to the Astros? If not then why do his stats matter. Also note almost half of those stats came vs the 2011 and 2012 Astros, aka the 100+ loss clubs. Good job!
Those stats are how he pitched in the Houston ball park. Those numbers are relevant. The Astro’s team that Samardzija faced in 2008 is a completely different team than the 2017 Astros. How a pitcher pitches in a certain venue is directly related to park effects.
Those stats are miniscule and can’t stand on their own… 25 innings?
Miniscule? Not really, unless you completely reject park effects as a useful stat.. Minus the 4 parks that were his home park. Houston is 8th on the list for most innings pitched for Samardzija. Do a little research and you’ll see most pitchers have less than 25 2/3 innings in most ball parks.
Peripherals aside, Don’t think that contract makes sense for the ‘Stros.
Kinda want it to happen, kinda don’t, he’s a good dude and we still need innings this year and next year. Guess we wait and see what the offer is… if there is one
As an Astros fan, not the pitcher I was hoping for. They need to ask the A’s if they wish they had Addison Russell back. (I know there are more years of control in this but still)
Yes would be the word if Beane could do that trade over but the good part is they flipped Shark for Semien, Bassit, and Pheagly. So at least they were able to get value back on Shark. From what I seen of Shark over the years he is a 6 inning starter that will give up around 3 runs a game. Not a ace but keeps you in the game. A #3 starter for most teams. If i am the Astros I want the giants to pick up some of the money because he is not worth $18 million a year.
Seems like more of a downgrade then an upgrade.
Yeah, I don’t get it. I think the Astros will at least add some bullpen help. Their farm is stacked, and you don’t want Gregerson or Sipp pitching in a tight game in the 7th.
Astros won’t take on that contract.
Giants would presumably take a good bit of it on.
There’s no reason for them to. What he’s owed is less than what any replacement would cost. They’ll just hand on to the contract otherwise.
If he’s owed what he’s worth, the reason to take on salary would be to get a better return from the Astros.
Whyamihere: I agree, but this thread implies the Giants would have to take on some of the contract simply to move Samardzija. My point is the Giants don’t need to move Samardzija. He’s providing value, it would take as much or more resources to replace him, and unless it’s worth them making the trade, some value in return, they just hold on to him,
But is Shark worth elite prospects if there is no salary relief? The Giants need prospects more than they do money
The Giants want to contend in 2018. I doubt Houston is going to trade an MLB-ready product for Samardzija. The Giants don’t need a prospect several years away from the bigs. A mid-rotation arm that will eat up over 200 innings per season is of more value to a contending team than someone who, at best, won’t contribute for several years, and, at worst, may not develop at all. If they were rebuilding I’d agree with you, but the Giants don’t care about how Houston values Shark. They care about what value he has for them versus what the replacement cost is.
Samardzija is awful and has a big contract. No team will take on his money and give up a decent prospect. Giants need to face reality and realize they have too many holes to compete in 2018.
So how come no one else offered Shark that much money a year and a half ago when they had the chance? If he had improved since then you MIGHT have an argument but he hasn’t so you don’t.
“Awful” is a little strong. He’s struck out 127 batters and walked 15 in 122 innings. He’s durable. He has a FIP of 3.44 this year, a WHIP of 1.15. He’s thrown just two really bad starts this year, one in Colorado and one against Washington. The contract is big but not unreasonable.
Our just give Giants low prospect
Then take contract
Astro need healthy reliable pitchers
giants gm evans will trade for some garbage, guys awful
Very concerned who is out going on any trade. Last few trades have no been good for the Astros. Stay away from Milwaukee please.
Dont worry the Astros wont pull an A’s and give up a crazy package for mediocre Samardzija
Luhnow panicked in 2015….. thought they needed those 2 pieces from Milwaukee and Kazmir. Hindsight is 20/20. Kazmir was decent enough, instead of Fiers and Gomez, should have shored up the pen.
I wouldn’t say they finished runners-up yet… they could still get a starter better than Quintana
Even if they get a better SP, they’ll still finish runners-up in the Jose Quintana sweepstakes, just like the first line states.
Yeah about that…Q is not worth are two top prospects. Cubs made a panic move trade.
If Jeff Samardzija gets traded he would be better off going to a contending team in the N.L., perhaps back to the Cubs were he had his best overall success. The Cubs could use another durable and controllable starting pitcher in addition to just acquired Jose Quintana with Jake Arrieta and John Lackey almost assuredly gone next season as impending free agents.
If the Cubs were willing to take on all or most of Samardzija remaining contract he should cost little in the way of young MLB talent or prospects, the latter of which has been significantly depleted through graduation and trades in the past year or so.
Samardzija, a White Sox fan from northern Indiana, was a disaster in his one year in the A.L. on the South Side of Chicago. Pitching in a hitter-friendly home park like the “Cell” back in 2015 did him no favors. He was better in the vast Oakland “Mausoleum” after being traded to the Cubs the previous summer. “Shark”was also solid in his first year with the Giants in their pitcher-friendly park. He could be a disaster waiting to happen back in the A.L. and in a cozy Minute Maid Park.
“Shark” throws strikes like few other MLB starters but gets hit hard often, with many of his pitches leaving the yard. Wrigley Field is far more forgiving than the Astros home park with the wind blowing in more often than not. The Cub offense should also be more supportive than what Samardzija enjoyed in Oakland, San Francisco and on Chicago’s South Side. They are comparable with Astros as the hitters finally start heating up and now that their manager is finally putting them in a better position to succeed with a more sensible batting order. Samardzija is also very familiar to the current coaching staff that still includes pitching coach Chris Bosio.
Imo, “Shark” would be a nice inning eating addition to the Cubs rotation for both the short and long term. He should also come at a reasonable cost in talent. Make it so, Theo!
I would hope the Cubs have no interest at all.
The Cubs need more controllable starting pitching in addition to Jose Quintana. They no longer have the prospect currency for land an available pitcher such as Sonny Gray and remain reluctant to part with any of their impacting young MLB talent.
Imo, “Shark” would be a be a nice alternative and a far better trade option than a “controllable” veteran pitcher such as Justin Verlander. His remaining contract is also more affordable than what Jake Arrieta and Yu Darvish figure to command on the open market this offseason.
The Cubs will have enough financial questions once their young core of position players begin hitting arbitration eligibility in the coming years on top of the big dollars still owed to Jon Lester and Jason Heyward. They need quality, durable, controllable and affordable starting pitching until their own farm system can start developing the rotation help that has been neglected until the last two June drafts.
Plus, if Cub fans have any hope of their team landing Bryce Harper in a year and a half, they will need to spend less on the pitching they require in the meantime, which, btw, doesn’t look nearly as promising in the upcoming FA market as it once did.
I realize this, but in my personal option the shark is garbage and his contract is horrible.
The cubs won’t even talk to Harper. He admitted he was trolling. The only way Bryant and Harper go back to back is the all star game the next 10+ years.
If you say so. The only thing for certain is that Bryce Harper won’t cross a rich, big market and contending glamour team like the Cubs off of his wish list if and when he becomes a free agent.
Correction: He was better in the vast Oakland “Mausoleum” after being traded “from” the Cubs “to” the A’s the previous summer.
Giants need to complete this ASAP before they come to their senses. He’s the pitching equivalent on BJ Upton. You’re always waiting for him to be good.
“Astros have intereste in Jeff” that’s like saying Pittsburgh has intereste in Mike Trout.
Discuss, explain.
The Cubs won’t trade for another big name pitcher this year
Samarzja will look great going from one of best pitching parks in NL to the AL …..can’t wait until the Indians knock out the Astros but at least the Astros will have all those good prospects
This guy has talent….. I would trade him for some of there young talent…… I’m not sure this is going to happen
Would he be a cheerleader? Why would anyone want him. He’s not even a spot starter on the Astros and he’s a #4 at best with a very bad giants team.
FIP of 3.44 and 127/15 k:bb ratio isn’t #4 material. Look past ERA my man
Now they are just throwing rumors to get readers there is no way the stros have any interest in him in fact Bumgarner would be the only Giant the stros might throw their deep farm prospects for. This article is pure fantasy that is all.
These are the only players I see the stros trading away pieces for Doolittle and Gray from Oakland and a combo of the two not separate. Jake De Grom from the mets, Justin Wilson from the Tigers and perhaps relievers like Hand from San diego or Britton from Baltimore if they are willing to roll the dice. Maybe more players come available next week but if the Stros are talking to the Giants rest assure that it is for Bumgarner and no one else.
Want to add the strategy for the Stros is no longer for winning the west they are looking for what will help them get past Boston and Cleveland the West is a done deal.
If the astros wanted a dark horse trade , why not matt moore ?
And his very unfortunate ERA of 6? If only. I cry inwardly every fifth day.
shark always has better periferils than era. Ethier is he the unluckiest pitcher ever or he is just not that good.
The new “dingers-only” brand of baseball hasn’t been kind to him. I would be very surprised if any of this speculation were to actually make an appearance in reality.
What are Giants waiting for???
If waited much longer will have nothing in return
Time to clean house
I wish I could get the kind of benefit of the doubt in my own life that Jeff Samardzija gets. People continue to hoot and holler about his “stuff” and “peripherals” yet every year the results aren’t there. If it was just one year you might have an argument but it seems that Samardzija has underperformed his peripherals every year except 2014. There are pitchers (Dallas Keuchel for example) who make a living by outperforming their peripherals. Samardzija is the opposite.
Do the Giants have a lefty reliever to package?
What’s appealing to the Astros is the innings Shark has put up year after year. Still, if the Giants want impact prospects and depth, which they really badly need and dont have much to deal, they are going to have to eat 20 million.