The Cubs have changed their mind on trading Garza and that's because of Jeff Samardzija. Including Ryan Dempster, the Cubs top three starters have a WHIP of 1.01 over 112 2/3 IP. Per reports, the emergence of Samardzija as a top-half-of-the-rotation starter has the Cubs believing the 1-2 punch of power arms could have them contending sooner rather than later. Thus the goal would be to move Dempster for a high-ceiling prospect or two (depending on picking up some portion of his remaining $14M deal) and negotiate long-term rights to Garza.
Jon Heyman of CBS Sports believes a deal would probably (and rightfully) come at a higher price tag than John Danks 5 year, $65M contract and may end up near C.J. Wilson's 5-year, $77M deal with the Angels. The Cubs would ultimately try to avoid a $100M+ Matt Cain-type deal that would stifle chances to add additional parts either as complements in the rotation or power bats in the lineup.
Likeliest Scenario: Garza and the Cubs agree on a 5-year, $80M deal in late June, avoiding media talk and pressure on the Cubs front office to look for deals available as the July 31st trade deadline nears.
Cubs Contracts and Callups
Matt Garza
Please can we get this contract done?
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