Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija (29) delivers to a Kansas City Royals batter during the first inning an opening day baseball game at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, April 6, 2015. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)
Jeff Samardzija could end up in pinstripes this offseason. AP Photo Orlin Wagner
According to a report, the New York Yankees could be the biggest player for free agent starter Jeff Samardzija this offseason.
Samardzija, who was 11-13 with a 4.96 ERA with the Chicago White Sox in 2015, pitched the first seven seasons of his career with the Chicago Cubs, the team he was drafted by in 2006.
The general manager for the Cubs in 2006 was Jim Hendry. He was able to pry the Notre Dame two-sport star away from football and put him in the Cubs system.
Henry is now a special assistant with the Yankees, who figure to be a potential landing spot for Samardzija, according to Jon Heyman at CBS Sports:
"Former Cubs GM Jim Hendry, a Yankees executive, is a big voice in the organization now, leading to even more speculation Samardzija will be on the agenda. Hendry was the one who plucked Samardzija out of Notre Dame, and gave him a $10 million signing bonus for the Cubs (a wise call in hindsight)."
The Yankees sorely need to address their starting staff this season, who struggled with age and health in their rotation in 2015.
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