Report: Cardinals interested in Samardzija

The St. Louis Cardinals struck out in the David Price sweepstakes, and are now shifting their focus to potentially signing one of the top second-tier starters available on the free-agent market.

St. Louis is expressing interest in right-hander Jeff Samardzija, according to USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale.

Samardzijia is coming off a disappointing year with the Chicago White Sox, posting an 11-3 record with a 4.96 ERA, and 1.29 WHIP, in 32 outings. He allowed a MLB-worst 228 hits and 122 runs across 214 innings, but has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his eight-year career.

The 30-year-old is also being pursued by the Chicago Cubs, where he pitched from 2008 to 2014, and the San Francisco Giants, among others. Samardzija is also believed to have received an offer worth $100 million from an unknown team.

Veteran hurler John Lackey reportedly will sign a two-year deal with the Chicago Cubs, which means the Cardinals have also missed out on the chance of retaining his services, and now have a higher sense of urgency to fill holes in their rotation.