Cubs' pitching coach would 'love to see' Samardzija back on North Side
Despite spending time with the Oakland Athletics and Chicago White Sox since being traded by the Chicago Cubs in 2014, Jeff Samardzija and Cubs pitching coach Chris Bosio have maintained a close relationship.
Now, with Samardzija being one of the hottest commodities in free agency this offseason and the Cubs coming off a breakout 2015 season, a reunion of Bosio and the righty could be in order.
Apparently holding no grudges, Samardzija would be open to the idea of coming back to the Cubs if the two parties can agree to a deal.
"I would love to see Jeff Samardzija in a Cub uniform again," Bosio told CBS Radio. "This is a guy who is a great competitor and showman. One of the reasons we have the players we do now is because of the way Jeff, (Paul) Maholm, (Matt) Garza, (Ryan) Dempster and (Jason) Hammel pitched for us. They put our front office in position to get great players like Addison Russell and many others in deals."
The former Notre Dame wide receiver, turned pro pitcher had a down year in 2015 with the Chicago White Sox, going 11-13 with a 4.96 ERA in 32 starts. He allowed more hits and runs than any starting pitcher in the MLB last season but Samardzija, however, could fit perfectly with the Cubs as they try to build on the team without breaking the bank.
"I can see 100 percent that Jeff can see himself back in a Cub uniform," Bosio said. "It will be interesting to see where his free agency goes. I am sure he will have many choices to go where he wants to go. The decision will definitely be his."
Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein met with Samardzija, according to CBS Chicago, to discuss the possibility of a reunion. While other teams such as the New York Yankees, Arizona Diamondbacks and San Francisco Giants have all expressed interest in the pitcher, Chicago could have the advantage as Samardzija has previously made his home at Wrigley Field.
"Jeff is a worker, grinder and winner," Bosio said. "He is a no-nonsense ultimate professional. I can push Jeff and he can come back at me. If I go too far or he does, we can call each other out. We are both wired with that football mentality. He and I have a lot of common ground."
