Rumors: Toronto Blue Jays interested in Matt Garza
The Toronto Blue Jays are interested in acquiring Chicago Cubs ace Matt Garza per Ken Rosenthal. He will most likely either be traded or signed to a big extension, depending on what the Cubs want to do and what offers they field for the starter. The arrow has pointing towards different sides in a crazed manner over the course of the season, and interest is mounting for the starter whom the Cubs don’t seem to be abject to dealing.
Rebuilding teams are always willing to listen on offers, and the Blue Jays are willing to talk a trade for a significant player. At this moment in time, the Jays don’t have a true ace despite a couple of solid pitchers in guys like Brandon Morrow and Ricky Romero.
Garza, who is under team control through the 2013 MLB season, would constitute and upgrade for the Blue Jays. The former Tampa Bay Rays starter’s experience in the difficult division- the AL East is definitely the toughest division to pitch in- is an attractive quality for Major League teams. Garza could still be extended by the Cubs, but interest from teams like the Blue Jays and New York Yankees, who could also use a big starter like Garza, is mounting.
The Jays are in a difficult division, and they are the third or fourth best team in this division, to be honest. They are a good ball club overall and have a high-powered offense led by Brett Lawrie and Jose Bautista. Pitching is crucial, especially in the AL East, so nabbing a 4+ win starter in Matt Garza would dramatically increase their chances of getting into the playoffs. Those chances have increased with two Wild Card spots, which means that the Blue Jays should definitely be taking a look at Garza. Granted, the Jays have other question marks on their roster and need to do more in order to get themselves into playoff position, but it makes sense to take a good look at Garza.
Parting with top prospects is going to be difficult, and they will likely end up being top hitting prospects. The Cubs don’t have the best farm system out their, and their hitting in the minors is particularly subpar.
Rosenthal notes that Theo Epstein is more than willing to trade any of his players, because there are no “untouchables” in his mind. That was actually in regards to the Starlin Castro trade talks, but it can also be said for Matt Garza who is the team’s most important pitcher.
Jays fans, do you guys want Garza? If so, how much would you be willing to give? (The answer to the first question looks pretty obvious.) Cubs fans, would you rather trade or re-sign Garza and what do you think the Cubs will get back from a Garza trade? Would the end result be satisfactory for Chicago? Let your voices be heard in the comments section!
Follow Joe Soriano on Twitter here. Check out Jays Journal for all your Toronto Blue Jays news.