Jeff Samardzija Speaks: Extension Talks, Valuing Performance, and What’s Next

Jeff Samardzija is Inigo MontoyaJeff Samardzija, perhaps the most discussed Chicago Cubs player this offseason – no small accomplishment, given the Starlin Castro/Anthony Rizzo focus, as well as the actually really good seasons put in by Travis Wood and Welington Castillo last year – met with the media yesterday to discuss all manner of topics.

Samardzija, 29, is under team control for 2014 and 2015, and there’s a serious question about how good the Cubs may or may not be for those two years. That combination of things – the team control, but the crumminess – provides an undercurrent for virtually everything Samardzija is asked these days, and necessarily informs his responses.

You can listen to Samardzija’s press conference here at ESPNChicago, but among the highlights:

  • Samardzija said everyone believed from the start of the arbitration exchange of numbers that they’d come to an agreement on the 2014 contract. It just took so long because folks have a job to do.
  • Yeah, but what about a long-term deal? “You know, we are not really going to talk about that,” Samardzija said. “We are worried about this season. We are looking to get ready to compete and win some ballgames. We don’t want any distractions. Whether it is with that or with trade talks or with this or that. So, for me it is a no comment. I am out there getting ready to do my thing. Like I said before, put no doubt in anyone’s minds about who I am or what I can be for this team and for this organization.” No surprises there, and although Samardzija wouldn’t discuss extension talks specifically, he did touch on a number of topics that are intertwined with those talks. Well, and he kinda sorta did discuss extension stuff further.
  • Samardzija said that, if there wasn’t a gap in negotiations on an extension, a deal would have already been reached. I don’t intend this as a back-pat, but Samardzija framed things in pretty much the same manner I have for the past few months: neither side is being unreasonable, they just have their own positions. “Both sides are justified. It is not like anyone is asking for some outlandish concept. I understand where they are coming from and they understand where I am coming from …. Sometimes you’re just a product of the situation and I think that’s where I’m at.” Having made a fair bit of money already in his career, being 29, and being just two years away from free agency (in an exploding market), I can understand Samardzija betting on himself (and willing to sign away free agent years right now only if the Cubs pay near free agent prices (and/or step up their level of competitiveness)). And, being in a rebuilding situation, having certain financial limitations, understanding that two years of arbitration control has value, and recognizing that it’s risky to guarantee free agent dollars two years away from actual free agency, I can understand the Cubs wanting a more limited extension, in terms of price.
  • On wanting to stay with the Cubs for emotional/personal reasons, but weighing that against the business and reality of the game: “It is tough, the emotional attachment I have to this organization. A lot of times you just give the benefit of the doubt that just how it works because the way I feel about being here and about how bad I want to be here. So, the more this process goes along the more I realize it is a business and that attachment only goes so far. But like I said before all of it comes down to production. It all comes down to what happens on the field. I know if I do my part and do what I expect of myself and the team expects of me then everything else is clear about what the future holds.”
  • Samardzija added a little something that sounds a lot like what Ryan Dempster (with whom I believe Samardzija was close) said in his final half-season with the Cubs: “All I can do is increase my value as much as possible. I think in the end it is going to help the organization no matter what. Either it helps the organization by keeping me here and proving to them I am that guy. Or I increase my value and it helps them get prospects in return.” Even if the two sides aren’t aligned in their beliefs about a reasonable extension, this is one thing the Cubs and Samardzija can definitely come together on: Samardzija performing well out of the gate in 2014 can only mean good things for him (contract) and the Cubs (either performing well and keeping Samardzija, or trading him for a better package).
  • Speaking of trading players away for prospects, Samardzija clarified some remarks he made late last year about the Cubs trading away guys like Scott Feldman, which some perceived as critical of the front office. Essentially, Samardzija wasn’t criticizing the front office for making those trades – he understands they’ve got a job to do, and have to look out for the long-term health of the organization – but was instead speaking from his heart about it being a bummer to lose teammates like that.
  • Samardzija also correctly hinted that, if the Cubs surprise this year and play well, the entire discussion here changes. Suddenly, the Cubs probably don’t want to trade Samardzija, probably really want him on the team in 2015, and maybe both sides are more ready/willing to come to a compromise on an extension.
  • written by

    Brett Taylor is the Lead Cubs Writer at Bleacher Nation, and you can find him on Twitter at @BleacherNation and on LinkedIn here. Brett is also the founder of Bleacher Nation, which opened up shop in 2008 as an independent blog about the Chicago Cubs. Later growing to incorporate coverage of other Chicago sports, Bleacher Nation is now one of the largest regional sports blogs on the web.

    more cubs news

    Justin Steele Injury Update: New Classification, MRI Tomorrow, IL Stint Coming? Steele and Counsell Speak

    A significant update on Justin Steele came from Craig Counsell tonight after the Cubs extra innings loss in Texas. In short: Yes, a stint on the Injured List is likely for Justin Steele. But we still don't know how severe...

    Enhanced Box Score: Rangers 4, Cubs 3 – March 28, 2024

    It took exactly one day for the Cubs' ace to sustain what may be a significant injury, for their closer to blow a save, for the umpires to significantly impact the outcome of a critical play (this time in the...

    OMG: Michael Busch Scored the 9th Inning, GO-AHEAD Run, Because He Just Never Stopped Running

    That was absolutely incredible. To all the little kids out there, when your coach tells you to never stop running, this is why. Rookie Cubs 1B Michael Busch (the guy the Cubs got from the Dodgers this offseason to be...

    Pre-Gamin’: Cubs at Rangers – Lineups, Pitching Matchup, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    *SHORT COURTS: It's Time To Bring The Home Court, Home! Looking for a unique way to celebrate your athlete or team before you peruse the FIRST CHICAGO CUBS LINEUP of the Year? Don't miss out! For just one more week...

    The Cubs Are Among the Most Returning-y Teams

    I am still mostly incapacitated at the moment, so apologies for the short shrift on such an otherwise blessed day. In between pokes and prods, I wanted to share a chart I saw that was pretty interesting, even if unsurprising:...

    Maybe the Cubs Are the Favorites in the NL Central, After All?

    ESPN was the first to throw some love the Cubs way this week, with an overwhelming majority of their writers, analysts, and editors picking the Chicago Cubs to win the NL Central in 2024. But the love doesn't end there....

    The Season Begins, Love for Morel, Counsell’s Value, and Other Cubs Bullets

    You know where you want to spend your Opening Day morning? The hospital! Suffice to say, this is not how I imagined getting HYPED for the Cubs' opener. I guess I'll just have to think about all the possible lineup...

    Cubs vs Rangers: The First Series of the Year!

    Cubs vs Rangers — THE REGULAR SEASON IS HERE! Wake up and rejoice. Later tonight, the Cubs will begin their march toward October Baseball against the (reigning World Series champion) Texas Rangers in Arlington. Justin Steele is getting the nod...

    The 2024 Chicago Cubs for Dummies

    Boom. We made it. The offseason is over, and the Cubs regular season - and those elevated expectations - begins tomorrow. But in case you slept through the winter, I'm here to catch you up on everything you need to...

    I’m Expecting More This Year, Cubs — It’s Time to Start Winning

    There's no way around it: The Chicago Cubs did *not* have the offseason we hoped they might after making Craig Counsell the highest paid manager in MLB history. Not that they did poorly, mind you. Cody Bellinger, Shota Imanaga, and...

    Latest News

    Cavaliers vs. 76ers Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Philadelphia 76ers (39-34) are 8-point underdogs against the Cleveland Cavaliers (44-29) at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Friday, March 29, 2024. The game starts at 7:30 PM ET on NBCS. The matchup's point total is set at 212.5.Our computer predictions...

    Heat vs. Trail Blazers Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Portland Trail Blazers (19-54) will attempt to end an eight-game losing streak when they visit the Miami Heat (39-33) on Friday, March 29, 2024 at FTX Arena as heavy, 14-point underdogs. The contest airs at 8:00 PM ET on...

    Rockets vs. Jazz Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Utah Jazz (29-44) will try to end a seven-game losing streak when they host the Houston Rockets (37-35) on Friday, March 29, 2024 at Vivint Smart Home Arena as 7.5-point underdogs. The contest airs at 9:30 PM ET on...

    Bulls vs. Nets Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Chicago Bulls (35-38) hit the court against the Brooklyn Nets (28-45) as 5.5-point favorites on Friday, March 29, 2024 at 7:30 PM ET on NBCS. The matchup has an over/under set at 214.5 points.Before you place an informed wager...

    Suns vs. Thunder Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder (50-22) are 2.5-point underdogs against Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns (43-30) Friday, March 29, 2024 at Paycom Center. The matchup begins at 8:00 PM ET on KSBI. The point total is set...

    Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Minnesota Timberwolves (50-22) are 6.5-point underdogs when they host the Denver Nuggets (51-22) in a battle between the top two teams in the Western at Ball Arena on Friday, March 29, 2024 at 9:00 PM ET on ALT. The...

    Knicks vs. Spurs Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The New York Knicks (44-28) will try to continue a three-game win streak when they visit the San Antonio Spurs (17-56) on Friday, March 29, 2024 at AT&T Center as big, 10-point favorites. The game airs at 8:00 PM ET...

    Kings vs. Mavericks Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Dallas Mavericks (43-29) will look to Luka Doncic (first in the league scoring 33.9 points per game) when they try to beat De'Aaron Fox (eighth in the NBA with 26.5 PPG) and the Sacramento Kings (42-30) on Friday, March...

    How to Watch Diamondbacks vs. Rockies: Live Stream or on TV

    On Friday, Corbin Carroll and the Arizona Diamondbacks (1-0) take on Nolan Jones and the Colorado Rockies (0-1), with first pitch scheduled for 9:40 PM ET at Chase Field.If you're trying to watch this game, keep reading for streaming and...

    Guardians vs. Athletics: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The Cleveland Guardians (1-0), led by Jose Ramirez, visit Brent Rooker and the Oakland Athletics (0-1) on Friday, with first pitch at 9:40 PM ET.Find out how to watch the Cleveland-Oakland matchup below.When is Guardians vs. Athletics and when does...

    more cubs news