Washington Nationals: Possible August starting pitching targets
By Ron Juckett
JEFF SAMARDZIJA
The implosion of the San Francisco Giants is stunning. They trail the Los Angeles Dodgers by 35 games, margins never seen in the storied history of these rivals.
Not moved in July, teams will check on Jeff Samardzija’s status in August. If the Giants want out of his deal paying him $19.8 million a year through 2020, they will listen.
As with Verlander and Santana, taking on Samardzija’s contract adds to their competitive balance tax bill. But, at 32, he gives you a performance of a 2-3 starter for a cheaper price tag.
The Giants are so bad, his 6-11 record means nothing. The 4.77 ERA is 1.2 runs higher than his 3.54 FIP. Samardzija can throw strikes through the head of a needle. In his 143.1 innings in 2017, he has 151 strikeouts mixed with 19 walks. For every walk allowed, he strikes out 7.95. A league-leading number.
As with Straily and Santana, long balls are a problem. So far, 22 have left the yard. Considering the size of the yards in the National League West that is an issue.
Like Verlander, the more of Samardzija’s contract they take, the less the Nats give. A pricey, but solid option.