Report: Athletics 'close' to trade involving Jeff Samardzija

The Oakland Athletics are reportedly close to completing a deal involving right-hander Jeff Samardzija, according to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle.

A source tells Slusser that Samardzija would return several pieces, specifically hitters. Jane Lee of MLB.com added that the Athletics are involved in a multi-player deal that would net them three to four players.

Samardzija, 29, is entering the final year of his contract after being acquired by the Athletics in a blockbuster deal last summer with the Chicago Cubs. 

The hard-throwing right-hander excelled down the stretch for Oakland, tossing two complete games and registering quality starts in 11 of his 16 outings. It marked the second straight year Samardzija pitched 200 innings.

UPDATE: Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports tweets the proposed trade does not involve Samardzija.