Jeff Samardzija is not exactly packing his bags for The Bronx.
The Giants’ veteran right-hander was alerted to the trade rumors involving the Yankees in the wake of Luis Severino’s season-ending Tommy John surgery.
“Oh yeah. Just give me No. 2 and don’t make me cut my hair,” the 35-year-old Samardzija told The Athletic in reference to Derek Jeter’s jersey number and the Yankees’ stringent grooming policy.
The Yankees for now seem content to fill their rotation holes — James Paxton will also miss at least the first month of the season following back surgery — from within. Jordan Montgomery is the leading candidate to get one spot with Deivi Garcia, Michael King, Jonathan Loaisiga and Chad Bettis also in the mix.
Samardzija, who is in the final season of a five-year, $90 million contract, was 11-12 with a 3.52 ERA last season. With the Giants expected to be in rebuilding mode this season, expect Samardzija to be a popular name in trade speculation. For now, do not expect those rumors to lead back to the Yankees.