White Sox acquire Jeff Samardzija from Athletics in six-player deal

The White Sox and Athletics have struck a deal that will send right-handers Jeff Samardzija and Michael Ynoa to the White Sox in exchange for infielder Marcus Semien, right-hander Chris Bassitt, catcher Josh Phegley and infielder Rangel Ravelo. The deal was first reported as agreed upon by Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com.

The move is one of two major additions for the White Sox, who also signed David Robertson to a four-year, $46 million contract as they move towards contention in the AL Central. Samardzija will slot in behind Chris Sale in a formidable White Sox' rotation, joining Jose Quintana and John Danks in a group that may receive even more reinforcements as the winter progresses.

Samardzija, who turns 30 next month, is the third key member of the Athletics to be dealt this winter, joining Josh Donaldson (Blue Jays) and Brandon Moss (Indians). It is the second time that he has been traded within the last six months, originally coming to the Athletics in a deal with the Cubs back in July. White Sox' GM Rick Hahn noted that the team will try to extend Samardzija in the near future, considering how he is slated to become a free agent after the season.

Ynoa, 23, was once a highly-touted prospect out of the Dominican Republic, but has yet to reach the major leagues and has spent four seasons in the Athletics' minor league system. He struggled mightily as a reliever with Triple-A Sacramento last season, posting a 5.52 ERA in 31 appearances out of the bullpen.

Semien, 24, will likely replace Jed Lowrie as the Athletics' everyday shortstop after seeing time at every infield position except first base over his first two major league seasons with the White Sox. He has hit .240/.293/.380 with eight home runs and 35 RBI in 85 games at the major league level, and is a former sixth round pick.

Bassitt, 25, made his major league debut in 2014, posting a 3.94 ERA in 29.1 innings over six games (five starts). He was ranked as the team's fifteenth best prospect after the 2015 season, and posted a 2.08 ERA in 9 minor league appearances last season.

Phegley, 26, may serve as catching depth behind Derek Norris and John Jaso for the A's next season. He spent the bulk of his 2014 season with Triple-A Charlotte, but has posted a .207/.221/.332 line with seven home runs and 29 RBI in 76 major league games over the last two seasons.

Ravelo, 22, was the White Sox' sixth round pick in 2010 and was recently ranked as the White Sox' tenth best prospect after the season. The corner infielder had a great season for Double-A Birmingham in 2014, hitting .309/.386/.473 with eleven home runs and 66 RBI in 133 games.