MLB Trade Rumors: Matt Garza Told He Will “Likely Be Traded”

There has been widespread speculation concerning the future of Matt Garza in a place other than Chicago, but on Sunday afternoon, it went from “possible” to “likely” that he would leaving the Windy City.

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports that Garza has been told that he will “likely be traded” from the Cubs before the fast-approaching MLB trade deadline. That was the major headline of the piece, but in addition to that bit of news, Heyman also reported that the Indians, Red Sox, Rangers, and Cardinals were the four major players in the sweepstakes.

Garza has been scorching hot in recent days, posting a 1.66 ERA over 21.2 innings in July in addition to a very solid 3.17 ERA for the entirety of the season. He is clearly in a tier by himself as far as available starting pitchers and it should come as no surprise that he is on the trade market, but the revelation that he has been notified of his likely departure is noteworthy.

Heyman reports that Garza and the Cubs have tried (and failed) to work out a contract extension, and if I was a Cubs fan, I would be encouraged by the attempt. He likely isn’t as good as he has been in the last couple of weeks, but Garza has a long track record of success dating back to Tampa Bay, and “rebuilding” doesn’t necessarily mean that the team shouldn’t keep any veteran, established players.

Either way, it looks as if Garza will be headed out of Chicago, but the question is: Where is he heading?