San Francisco Giants Sign Jeff Samardzija
After losing out on free agent pitchers David Price and Zack Greinke, the San Francisco Giants picked up a major piece for the starting rotation, signing pitcher Jeff Samardzija to a 5 year deal worth $90 million. Samardzija spent last season with Chicago White Sox, after a quick stint with the Oakland Athletics. He also pitched for the Chicago Cubs.
Last season in 32 starts, Samardzija had a record of 11-13,4.96 ERA, 163 strikeouts, and a WHIP of 1.29. In a losing season for White Sox last season, Samardzija put up some solid numbers getting double digit wins and over 100 strikeouts. His ERA could be better, other then that it was a good season for him. On a young rebuilding team with a young pitching rotation, being the number two guy in the rotation with Chris Sale being number one.
San Francisco is getting a great deal. They were able to sign Samardzija for less than what the team would of paid for Price and Greinke. Who went to Boston Red Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks. respectively. Samardzija is going to give the team some pitching depth, since Madison Bumgarner is the number one pitcher on the team. After that the team really has no pitching, with Samardzija there that changes. Expect him to have double digit wins, with an ERA lower then 3 and over 100 strikeouts. Maybe going to a potential playoff team like the Giants, will motivate him to do better. Paying $90M for a guy like Samardzija is a good deal, and its a long term deal as well.
On the Samardzija side of things, now that he has been paid getting the multi million dollar contract he was hoping for in free agency, he will have to prove it every time he is on the mound, giving good outings consistently season after season. Being the solid number 2 pitcher that the team is hoping for out of him. If he can do that. then this deal will be a big help in the team quest to win the World Series.
With not overpaying for the top two pitchers in free agency. The team now has other needs to fill in free agency, with good amount of money to spend. Getting another arm for the rotation is almost a must for the Giants, since pitching was a big problem for the team last season. Outside of Bumgarner who is the ace of the pitching staff. If the team can fill the holes expect them to become contenders this upcoming season.
