Matt Garza Rumors: Tigers Interest in Cubs Garza “Exaggerated”

Throughout the offseason, the Chicago Cubs have made it clear that they are rebuilding with an eye to the future.  While they’ve dealt several veteran players, Chicago’s top trade chip remains; right-hander Matt Garza.  Friday we heard it’s more likely that the Cubs hold onto Garza until next summer’s trade deadline, and yesterday Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported that the Detroit Tigers interest in Garza is “exaggerated”. 

The Tigers were one of five clubs that have been tied to Garza this offseason.  Though they were a little late to the game rumor-wise, Detroit’s name started being tied to Garza significantly once it was reported that the Tigers were willing to trade top pitching prospect Jacob Turner.

Detroit has since denied these rumors, saying that they are not looking to deal Turner this winter, but they have been continually connected to Garza nonetheless.  Now, Nightengale reports that, from the start, the Tigers interest in Garza has been overblown.  Nightengale goes on to say that Detroit is unwilling to part with top prospects, which likely means Turner and young third baseman Nick Castellanos among others.

It’s also no longer clear what the Cubs intentions are regarding Garza.  Jayson Stark of ESPN reported Friday that Chicago’s more likely to wait until closer to July’s trade deadline to move their ace.  At that time there would be fewer alternatives on the open market than there are now, potentially allowing the Cubs to hold the upper hand when it comes to trade discussions.

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