2012 MLB Trade Rumors: “No Real Favorite” to Land Cubs Matt Garza

Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com is reporting that, at the moment, there is no real frontrunner in the race to land Cubs right-hander Matt Garza.  According to a person familiar with the Garza trade talks, there is “no real favorite” to acquire the 28-year-old.  While there’s not a clear favorite, we do at least know the field; the Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Marlins and Tigers have all expressed interest in Garza this offseason.

While Cubs president Theo Epstein has said that he’d be willing to hang onto Garza and build a rotation around him, he also knows that he could seriously jumpstart his rebuilding process by trading Garza this offseason.  In exchange for his ace, Epstein is targeting young starting pitchers.

Earlier this offseason, it became evident that the American League East as a whole was interested in bringing in Garza, specifically the Blue Jays, Yankees and Red Sox.  Garza was unique from other available pitchers in that he had previously showcased an ability to pitch in the ultra-competitive division.

The Yankees and Blue Jays have the pitching prospects that would appeal to the Cubs.  The Red Sox farm system isn’t as highly-regarded as their division rivals, and they have already used much of their minor league depth to bolster their bullpen this offseason.

Beyond the AL East contingent, the Tigers and Marlins have also recently expressed interest in Garza.  Detroit has made it known that they are willing to deal top young arm Jacob Turner for “the right starting pitcher”.  Garza figures to qualify, and Turner would be the type of elite prospect the Cubs covet in any deal.

The Marlins have also expressed “serious interest” in Garza, but they can’t offer Chicago the pitching prospects the Yankees, Blue Jays and Tigers can.  While Miami is willing to deal several of its top young players for Garza, said prospects are mostly position players.