Understanding Jeff Samardzija and the qualifying offer

The biggest question that the Chicago White Sox face heading into the offseason is whether to give Jeff Samardzija a qualifying offer for the 2016 season.

What is a qualifying offer?

It is a one year contract offer from the player’s team. Pending free agents are eligible to receive these offers but not all qualify.

How much does the player make?

Last year a player who accepted the offer would have made just over $15 million which was a bump up from the previous year’s offer of slightly over $14 million.

What happens if the player declines the offer?

If a player declines the offer he is free to sign with any team. However, whatever team he signs with will lose their first round pick unless they fall within the top ten of the draft or failed to sign their first round pick last year which means they forfeit their next highest pick.

The former team then receives a compensatory pick at the end of the first round.

How often does a player sign his qualifying offer?

To date, no player has signed a qualifying offer with his former team.

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Are the White Sox going to offer Samardzija a qualifying offer?

Even with his abysmal 2nd half performance, one would think the White Sox would still offer him a qualifying offer. History is on their side with no player ever agreeing to one and even if it increases to $16 million, it would still be wise to offer him the one-year deal.

If he declines the team won’t have to fork over the money and will receive a compensatory pick. If he accepts you run the risk of him pitching terrible again. The upside is he re-establishes his value and either helps get you to the playoffs or nets you future prospects at the deadline.

Aug 22, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher Carlos Rodon (55) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

If I were Rick Hahn I’d be willing to take the risk and extend the offer. Money should not be an issue and it would allow your top pitching prospects a little more time to get seasoned as your 2015 rotation would remain the same, with a full year of Carlos Rodon. If he does like every player before him then you could plug Carson Fulmer or another right-handed prospect in your 5th spot of the rotation and hope they can contribute.

Southsiders, as always please let me know your thoughts on whether the White Sox should look bring back Samardzija or whether they let him walk for nothing.

Next: Can Jose Abreu match last season's statistics by season's end?