Jeff Samardzija put aside his dream of becoming a two-sport star Friday when he chose a baseball career over a chance to play in the NFL.
The Cubs signed the former Notre Dame wide receiver to a five-year, $10 million major-league deal, with two club option years that could increase the value to $16.5 million.
The right-handed pitcher was so intent on becoming a Cub that he asked for and received a no-trade clause and promised to return his $2.5 million signing bonus if he leaves the sport before his contract ends.
“If I decide to do something else, whether it’s football, lacrosse, swimming, whatever it may be, [the bonus] is all going back,” Samardzija said. “That’s something I wanted in there because I wanted to show my commitment to this organization, along with the no-trade clause that was built in.
“This is where I want to be. This is what I want to do, and I didn’t want any doubts about it.”
Samardzija, an All-America receiver from Valparaiso, Ind., was projected by NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. as a top-20 pick in the ’07 draft.
Asked on Friday if he would consider trying football if his baseball career doesn’t pan out, he said: “No, that [contract] means it’s closed.”
General manager Jim Hendry denied published reports Samardzija already had a deal with a $7.25 million guaranteed bonus if he opted to choose baseball over the NFL.
Samardzija was 8-2 with a 4.33 earned-run average in 15 starts his junior season at Notre Dame and was ranked No. 20 on Baseball America’s top prospects list when the Cubs made him a fifth-round draft pick last June.
Cubs scouting director Tim Wilken had him rated No. 1 on his draft chart, so the Cubs took a risk in drafting a player who seemed headed for the NFL.
Samardzija had a 2.70 ERA in seven Class A starts before returning to Notre Dame for his senior year, where he finished his career in the Irish’s loss to LSU in the Sugar Bowl.
Samardzija’s father Sam said the move surprised even him.
“I honestly thought we were going to the NFL,” he said. “But Jeff is so relieved, and I’m relieved and happy for Jeff.”
Samardzija, 22, will make $300,000 in ’07, $600,000 in ’08, $1.3 million in ’09, $2.5 million in 2010, $2.8 million in ’11, with club options for $3 million in ’12 and $3.5 million in ’13.
Hendry said Samardzija probably will start at Class A Daytona, but he figures to be on a fast track to the majors.
