2011 MLB Trade Rumors: Red Sox, Yankees, Blue Jays in on Matt Garza

Chicago Cubs president Theo Epstein has said he and his staff are looking to future.  While he didn’t use the word ‘rebuild’, many feel like the Cubs could essentially blow things up and start afresh.  If this is the case, starting pitcher Matt Garza would be Epstein’s top trade chip, and as such, many believe the right-hander could be dealt this winter.  Nick Carfado of the Boston Globe is no different, and he sees the Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Orioles and Tigers all having interest in Garza.

Carfado notes that, because Garza is “the best available pitcher out there”, he figures to command return at least equal to what the A’s got for Gio Gonzalez.  Many believe Oakland did quite well in the Gonzalez trade, acquiring three of the Nationals top 10 prospects including two highly regarded pitchers and an offensive minded catcher.

At this point, Carfado feels the Cubs could do one of three things with Garza.

Chicago could copy their south side rivals and ink Garza to a John Danks-like contract extension.  While this may seem abnormal for a rebuilding team, Epstein has said that he would be more than happy to construct a starting rotation around Garza.

Option number two; the Cubs could trade Garza for “a boatload of much-needed prospects”.

Though Epstein has said pitchers such as Matt Garza do not grow on trees, he’s also said that his franchise needs to increase their starting pitching depth in the majors and minors.  What better way to jumpstart this process than by dealing a prized starting pitcher?

If the Cubs were willing to trade Garza there should be no shortage of clubs interested in bringing in the 28-year-old.  Because Garza has proven able to pitch in the American League (B)East, Carfado says the Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays and even Orioles should all covet the right-hander.

Beyond the AL East, Carfado tells readers not to count out the Tigers.  The comments Detroit’s owner made entering the offseason has Tigers fans anxiously awaiting a big splash this winter, and the Tigers have Jacob Turner and other prospects the Cubs should covet in a Garza trade.

Carfado also notes that the Cubs could hang tight; not trade or extend Garza but simply hold onto him as they prepare for the 2012 season.

Faced with these three options, Carfado gets the feeling from those around baseball that the Cubs will deal Garza this winter.

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