White Sox listening to offers, Samardzija most likely trade candidate

With a record of 42-48 that has them in last place in the AL Central, the Chicago White Sox could be joining the list of trade deadline sellers, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal:

Sources: #WhiteSox in "listening mode." Samardzija most likely to go; only potential free agent of significance. Team also could add.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 20, 2015

Despite their willingness to trade Samardzija, Rosenthal also reports that the White Sox are not looking for a full rebuild and still believe they can contend in the near future:

#WhiteSox will not tear down, trade Sale, etc. Did not simply put club together for 2015. View season as first of at least 3-year window.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 20, 2015

If Samardzija is dealt, it would be the second-straight July in which he is traded after the Cubs sent him to Oakland along with Jason Hammel for Addison Russell, Dan Straily and Billy McKinney last season. The White Sox acquired Samardzija from the A's in December in a trade for, among others, shortstop Marcus Semien.

Samardzija has made 19 starts for the White Sox this season, posting a 4.08 ERA and 1.23 WHIP in 132⅓ innings, walking 26 and striking out 105. His 3.59 FIP has slightly outpaced his ERA this season.

Two teams that could feature prominently in the mix for Samardzija are in the White Sox's own division, as both the Royals and Tigers have issues in their rotation and could be looking to add a starting pitcher for the stretch run. Given the fact that Samardzija has an expiring contract, Chicago could be more comfortable with a trade within the division than teams would typically be as the deadline approaches.

Other teams that could be interested in Samrdzija include the Orioles, Yankees, Angels and even one of his former teams, the Cubs. Needless to say, if the White Sox decide to move him, there will be a market for them to work with.