Jeff Samardzija is wrapping up the final year of his five-year contract with the Giants. Despite that contractual uncertainty, the 35-year-old (36 in January) is fully committed to pitching in 2021. “100 percent, without a doubt,” Samardzija replied when asked if he’s planning on playing next season (via Andrew Baggarly of the Athletic).
This surely isn’t the platform year the veteran rigthy was hoping for. A shoulder impingement sidelined Samardzija for over a month, and he’s been limited to four starts altogether. Those haven’t gone well, as Samardzija’s coughed up 19 runs (18 earned) in 16.2 innings. He’s struck out just six batters in that time while being tagged for seven home runs.
Lost year notwithstanding, Samardzija isn’t far removed from offering solid volume. He tossed 181.1 innings of 3.52 ERA ball last season. While his underlying metrics didn’t support that level of run prevention, he was unquestionably a useful part of last year’s pitching staff. Samardzija’s status with the 2020 Giants is less clear; he started last night’s game against the Padres, marking his final regular season appearance. At 29-29, San Francisco is one game up on the Phillies and Brewers for the National League’s final playoff spot with two days remaining. It’s theoretically possible Samardzija will pitch in the postseason, then, but it’s hardly a lock he’d be included on their postseason roster (should they qualify) in light of his struggles this season.
For what it’s worth, Samardzija spoke highly of the Giants’ organization and training staff, telling reporters (including Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle) he’d hope to land in a similar environment on his next deal. Presumably, he’d be amenable to staying in San Francisco if the club were interested in a reunion. Regardless of his ultimate destination, Samardzija’s next contract will be a low-cost one, possibly of the minor-league variety. Having banked upwards of $116MM in his career, the amiable veteran can afford to prioritize the right fit this offseason.
Final tally = $90 millón (less the pro-rating for this year) for 7 WAR over 5 years. Not what was envisioned, I imagine.
He was over rated when they signed him. Looks at his stats. Never very good. Stupid Sabean signing like most of the others.
That contract wasn’t good, but it also isn’t one of the worst. Look at guys like J Zimmerman or Wei Yin Chen if you want the worst. Samardzija still gave the Giants two good seasons and one average one.
What were they envisioning? He averaged 1.6 BWAR WAR per year the previous 4 years. They got 3 healthy where he gave them 8.4 BWAR and two injury plagued season where he gave them nothing. I’d say those 3 years exceeded expectations. He got hurt more than they expected.
But who’s going to want to sign him?
Typically rebuilding teams or teams with horrible rotations would take a flier on a guy like him. Maybe a minor league deal, see if he can provide any value. Example may be how the Braves signed Felix last offseason.
Brewers fan here….I’d take him over lindblom or houser
Wonder if he’d consider a move to the bullpen..late inning guy? 7,8,9?
Jeff is a workhorse. I don’t care he had
mostly a rough time here in San Francisco. We all deserve to get paid, Samardzija got
Paid what he deserved at the time he signed the contract with the Giants, period…
This clown should have been out of baseball after year 3
I think the view that he gets a minor deal is probably accurate. Liked the guy since he was catching passes at ND, but the train’s pretty well out of the station.
Could he be a three inning “opener”?
Why do I feel as though he will be signed by the Braves to be a 4th SP next year 1yr $7 million w/option and a $1 Million buy out
Because that very well may happen. I’d expect more like a minor league Felix- like deal though.
This clown has been stealing $$ his whole career
It’s not theft if someone willingly gives it to you.
The Bears could use a good receiver.
With the Cubs losing 3 pitchers at seasons end. I could see the Cubs offering Samardzija a low $$ 1 yr contract.
He had only 2 winning seasons in his dismal career.
Angels probably.
Captain, Captain
So, now’s as good a time as any to bash on the Shark.
I would have loved to see him throw more sliders rather than the 2 seam fastball that usually got crushed over the wall. Jeff, if you’re listening and I know you’re not, if you’re going to throw the 2 seamer to RHB’s throw it off the plate and have it tail back into the strike zone instead of throwing it down the middle and tailing right into the bat. I swear, I saw that pitch get hit for more HR’s than I care to remember. And TRUST your 4 seamer up in the zone! Jesus, you throw 95+, act like a man!
This guy had the arm strength and the stuff but he didn’t utilize it properly and it really sucked watching him the last several years knowing he could have helped the Giants more if he had risked arm injury by throwing more sliders and better placed 2 seam fast balls. What a waste.