Yankees 'perfect fit' for Jeff Samardzija

Update: Chicago has not opted to sell yet but if the White Sox decide to trade several major league pieces Jeff Samardzija might be among them. The Yankees are in pursuit of starting pitching, and according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal, New York is a 'perfect fit' for Samardzija.

The Yankees' starting staff has pitched to a 4.03 ERA and even ace CC Sabathia has struggled. Since he signed a one-year deal, Samardzija will become a free agent and could be extended by the Yankees if he pitches well.

Jeff Samardzija tossed seven and third innings against the Tigers on Sunday and very well could join Detroit's rotation before the trade deadline. Samardzija has had some success with the White Sox, and according to Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe, the Tigers, Astros, and Royals are all interested in acquiring the veteran right hander.

Samardzija, 30, has posted a 4.56 ERA and 3.65 FIP over 108.2 innings with the White Sox this season. His 7.29 K/9 rate is down from 2014 but he has also had better control and is only walking 1.66 batters per nine frames. Since he is not having the best season, Samardzija is not seen as a number one starting option. However, he is becoming one of the more desirable pitchers on the market and Cafardo notes he could be one of the first starting pitchers dealt before the trade deadline.

Although he has struggled at times in 2015, Samardzija should prove to be a relatively affordable option since he will become a free agent at the end of the season. He will likely come at a lower price than some of the larger names, such as Scott Kazmir, Johnny Cueto, and Cole Hamels, and as a result might draw more interest than any of the three. At his best, Samardzija could prove to be an upgrade in the middle of a contending squad's rotation.

Samardzija signed a one year deal with Chicago during the offseason and as a result would likely be a rental for most clubs. He would be moving away from one of baseball's more inconsistent defenses if he is dealt and as a result might have more success.

Houston has been seeking starting pitching for the last few weeks but is reportedly after Cueto or Mike Leake. The Royals have been in pursuit of additional starting depth and the Tigers would like an upgrade and have been scouting Miami's starters of late. It might not take a lot to add Samardzija and as a result several contending teams will likely be interested over the next few weeks.