MLB Trade Rumors: Texas Rangers “Most Motivated” in Matt Garza Trade Talks

The Texas Rangers are the “most motivated” team involved in trade talks for Chicago Cubs right hander Matt Garza, so says Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal. The Rangers tried to work a deal for Garza at the deadline last season, but had to settle for fellow Cub Ryan Dempster when Garza came up injured shortly before the deal could be finalized.

Now, the Rangers are at it again, one of a handful of teams deep in talks with the Cubs on landing the 29-year-old right hander.

"The Rangers, however, are the “most motivated” of any team in the discussions, sources say. Their interest in Garza actually goes back to 2011, when they tried to acquire him from Tampa Bay but lost out to the Cubs.Garza, 29, would give the Rangers a top-of-the-rotation type at a time when the team has five starters on the disabled list — left-hander Matt Harrison and righties Yu Darvish, Alexi Ogando, Nick Tepesch and Colby Lewis."

The Rangers would likely balk at the idea of including Jurickson Profar, but speculation has swirled that slugging third base prospect Mike Olt could be moved. If the Rangers agree to part with southpaw Martin Perez as well, there might not be another team willing to match that kind of package.

The Cubs have been in full sell mode this month, already having dealt starter Scott Feldman to Baltimore. They are expected to also field offers for outfielder Alfonso Soriano.