While Jeff Samardzija turned down a five-year extension with the Cubs this offseason, he wants to remain with the organization for the remainder of his career.
"We were talking, and we both have the same interest in mind," Samardzija said. "We both want me to be here and both want me to be part of this team for a long time. When we feel like we're on the same page with that, we'll get it done. That was offseason talk. That's what happened at the end of the year. It's early right now. I still haven't proven myself to where I want to be as a player. I was happy last year but I don't want to stay there. I want to improve and get better.
"The more I show them that, the more comfortable they'll be with getting a deal done. It's not even close to the front burner now. It's so far on the back (burner) it's not even an issue. The fact we have a common ground ... it makes you feel good. Now it's just a little bantering back and forth."
Samardzija went 9-13 with a 3.81 ERA in his first full season in the rotation, throwing 174 2/3 innings before getting shut down in September.
He said "it doesn't really make much sense" to talk contract after one year in the rotation.