CHICAGO -- The Chicago White Sox made a one-year, $15.8 million qualifying offer to starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija, who became a free agent for the first time in his career at the completion of the 2015 season.

The right-hander was acquired in a trade last winter from the Oakland Athletics to be the rotation’s right-handed compliment to staff ace Chris Sale.

After a slow start, Samardzija seemed to find a groove, highlighted by 10 consecutive starts of at least seven innings by the end of July. It was rumored that Samardzija could be traded to a contender, but went nowhere as the July 31 non-waiver deadline passed.

After the deadline, Samardzija struggled, going 1-8 over a nine-start stretch with a 9.24 ERA. He finished his first full season in the American League with an 11-13 record and a 4.96 ERA, over 32 starts. He earned $9.8 million this past season in his final year of arbitration eligibility.

Samardzija has until Nov. 13 to accept the offer. If he signs elsewhere, the White Sox would receive an extra draft pick at the completion of the first round in next June’s draft.