Reports: A's close to trading Jeff Samardzija, likely to White Sox

The Athletics are close to trading pitcher Jeff Samardzija, likely to the White Sox, according to multiple reports. Yahoo's Jeff Passan was first to report the

The Athletics are close to trading pitcher Jeff Samardzija, likely to the White Sox, according to multiple reports. Yahoo's Jeff Passan was first to report the news. Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports and CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman confirmed the teams were nearing a deal. 

Oakland would acquire infielder Marcus Semien, Passan reports. Semien would replace Jed Lowrie, who is a free agent, as Oakland's starting shortstop. 

Samardzija had a 2.99 ERA in 33 starts for the Cubs and A's last season. He headlined the Oakland rotation along with Jon Lester, who is a free agent. 

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Samardzija would be third prominent Oakland player traded away this season. Josh Donaldson was sent to the Blue Jays in five-player deal and Brandon Moss was traded Monday to Cleveland. 

Samardzija, who played for the Cubs from 2008 until he was traded to Oakland last summer, has one year remaining on his contract.  

- Dan Gartland