White Sox could land Jeff Samardzija and David Robertson

The White Sox have emerged as the front runner to land Oakland ace Jeff Samardzija, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

Samardzija, who is entering his final arbitration year, represents a major bargain at an expected salary of $10 million in 2015. For the 2014 season, Samardzija posted a 2.99 ERA over 33 starts, and was worth a WAR of 4.1 according to Fangraphs. On top of the relatively cheap cost for one of the top pitchers in the game, Chicago would likely land a compensatory draft pick for the 2016 draft, assuming Samardzija rejects the qualifying offer he'll receive after the 2015 season.

The move would also represent a homecoming for Samardzija, as he spent seven years with the Cubs, and grew up an hour outside of Chicago. Oakland acquired Samardzija back in July in a trade that sent some of Oakland's top prospects, including infielder Addison Russell, to the Cubs in exchange for Samardzija and Jason Hammel. A Samardzija trade will come at no surprise, as Oakland has also been linked to a potential deal with the Red Sox as well.

The White Sox could also be looking to solidify the bullpen with an addition of free agent closer David Robertson, according to George A. King III of the New York Post. King notes that the White Sox have not been deterred at Robertson's asking price that is in the "four-year deal in the $50 million neighborhood." Robertson enters the free agent market after his only season as the Yankees closer, replacing potential Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera. For the 2014 season, Robertson converted 39 saves, while posting a 3.08 ERA.

With the Yankees' recent signing of setup man Andrew Miller, the price for Robertson can only go up. The Yankees signed Miller to a record-setting $36 million over the next four years, making him the highest paid non-closer, relief pitcher in baseball history. Miller's contract will only help Robertson's desire to land a contract similar to Jonathan Papelbon's four-year, $50 million contract with the Phillies.