MLB Trade Rumors and the Chicago Sun-Times are reporting the Chicago Cubs have interest in extending RHP Matt Garza:
‘‘We focused really hard on getting the one-year number done a few weeks ago,’’ general manager Jed Hoyer said of the $9.5 million deal struck the day of Garza’s scheduled arbitration hearing. ‘‘We didn’t have any kind of long-term discussions before that, but certainly there was some dialogue about possibly having some long-term discussions at some point maybe this spring. . . . I think we probably will sit down and talk.’’ (Sun-Times)
The Cubs acquired Matt Garza in the 2011 trade that sent top minor league prospects SS Hak-Ju Lee and SP Chris Archer to the Tampa Bay Rays, but with the Cubs in rebuilding mode, rumors have swirled about the Cubs potentially seeking a trading partner for the 28-year-old hurler.
Garza, a six-year veteran, is arbitration eligible and settled to terms with the Cubs for a $9.5 million, 1-year contract. He emerged as the Cubs' ace in 2011, pitching 198 innings of 3.32 ERA, 2.95 FIP ball.
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