I am still thinking the timetable is maybe a year later than that, possible Wild Card in 2016, at which time Samardzija would be 31. That is a young 31 though in terms of number of innings pitched, so it is entirely possible that he could still have multiple very good seasons into his mid 30's. I won't be upset at all if the Cubs sign him to a long term deal, but I would certainly understand if they were to deal him for one or more top prospects. The one thing they really can't afford to do is go into next season with him still on the roster and no long term deal in place.