Chicago Cubs Receive Strong Haul in Return for Matt Garza

Neil Ramirez could also be heading to Chicago as the PTBNL to complete yesterday’s deal. (Image Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports)

Right-hander C.J. Edwards might be a relative unknown but could end up being a big piece in how we view this deal down the road. Edwards was relatively unheralded coming out of high school, dropping to the 48th Round of the 2011 Draft before signing with the team for a miniscule $50,000 bonus.

Yet, he’s made a name for himself with a strong performance this season with the team’s Class-A Hickory affiliate. Edwards has made 18 starts on the year, posting an 8-2 record and 1.83 ERA in 93.1 IP. His peripherals have also been impressive – an 11.8 K/9 and 1.029 WHIP. He’d emerged as one of the top arms in the team’s minor league system but as a 21 year old in A-ball he’s still a ways away from being MLB-ready.

The final piece of the deal has yet to be finalized. The Cubs will receive at least one, but potentially two players to be named later to complete the deal. The choice here is entirely in the Cubs’ hands, according to multiple sources, as the decision will not be tied to performance on either side.

Right-hander Neil Ramirez is believed to be on the table, which would be a strong addition by the Cubs should they elect to go that route. The 24 year old has had a strong season with Double-A Frisco, posting a 9-3 record and 3.68 ERA over 95.1 IP. He’d struggled at Triple-A in 2012, but a return to Double-A this season has allowed him to regain his old form and produce once again on the mound. Ramirez likely projects as a mid-rotation option down the line and could conceivably be ready to serve as pitching depth by next season.

Gordon Wittenmyer of The Chicago Sun-Times reports that if the Cubs choose Ramirez then that’s all they’d receive. If they elect to not take Ramirez, they’ll receive two other players – who’s identities it’s believed have been agreed upon but have yet to become publicly known.