Matt Garza, Chicago Cubs Discussing Extension

David Kaplan of CSNChicago.com is reporting that the Chicago Cubs are hoping to work out a contract extension with starting pitcher Matt Garza.  The Cubs have indicated that they would like to build a rotation around Garza, who’s found his name included in several trade rumors this offseason.

The Cubs and Garza have had an interesting relationship over the past year-plus to say the least.

First, Chicago sends a bevy of prospects to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for Garza, Zach Rosscup and Fernando Perez.  The Cubs then proceed to stink up the league in 2011; but this losing atmosphere doesn’t impact Garza, who turns in another strong season.

This offseason the Cubs have cleaned house, coupling a new president and general manager in Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer.  Chicago danced around the ‘R’ word, rebuilding, leading to speculation that Garza would be sent packing for a comparable bunch of prospects to those handed over for him not even a year earlier.

Just when it appeared a deal might actually go down, talks fizzled and the Cubs indicated that they’d like to build a rotation around Garza.  Initially, most figured this to simply be front office-speak as Chicago weighed their trade options going forward.

But now it sounds as if the Cubs are genuinely interested in extending the 28-year-old.  Hoyer told Kaplan that the Cubs have “a good relationship” with Garza, and that he hopes to sit down to talk with the right-hander and his agent about a deal.  While Hoyer said that he’s “hoping to get something worked out” with Garza, the GM added that “you never know”.

If the Cubs believe they’re not that far off from competing, it’s hard to argue with the idea of exploring extension talks with Garza.  At the same time, Chicago could expedite its rebuilding effort by dealing Garza for prospects.

What are your thoughts on the situation?  Is it better for the Cubs look to trade Garza or lock him up long term?

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