After weeks of speculation that a Jeff Samardzija trade was inevitable, the 30-year-old right-hander is still here at U.S. Cellular Field, readying himself to start for the White Sox on Sunday against the Yankees.
Friday’s non-waiver trade deadline passed with the White Sox standing pat, choosing to hang on to Samardzija and continue a playoff push that gained legitimacy after a seven-game winning streak last month. Samardzija said he’s relieved to not have to uproot himself from Chicago for the second straight year and isn’t disappointed to currently be playing for a team that’s over .500 and closer to a playoff spot.