2011 MLB Trade Rumors: Cubs Expected to Deal Matt Garza

Jon Heyman loves him some Twitter.  He’s been lighting up the social network today, and his newest morsel of speculation involves Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Matt Garza.  According to Heyman, opposing general managers believe the Cubs will deal Garza this winter.

To Heyman this makes sense.  The Cubs are, after all, a rebuilding team with a new and aggressive front office.  Garza represents one of, if the not largest trade chip the Cubs currently hold in their possession.  If Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer believe they can help jumpstart their rebuilding effort by dealing Garza, I doubt they’d think twice.

Garza was more than solid for the Cubs in 2011.  During his first season in Chicago, Garza maintained a 3.32 ERA and 1.258 WHIP over his 31 starts and 198 innings pitched.

Garza has spent six seasons in the majors pitching for the Twins, Rays and Cubs.  Over that span  the right-hander has held a career ERA of 3.83 while making at least 30 starts in four consecutive years.

Still only 28-years-old, Garza is set to enter his final year of arbitration in 2012.  Garza made just under $6 million in 2011 and figures to receive a hefty raise next season.

Rumors have come out over the past few weeks indicating that the Cubs would be willing to deal their top starter.  The Texas Rangers, who are currently looking to bolster their rotation, have shown interest in Garza before.  The New York Yankees and Miami Marlins have also indicated a willingness to make trades this winter in order to plug the holes in their pitching staffs.

With the current state of the free agent market for starting pitchers, Garza would likely draw significant interest if the Cubs do decide to shop him this winter.

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