MLB trade rumors: Each team’s best trade chip

Milwaukee Brewers: Matt Garza

Milwaukee’s rebuild has gone spectacularly to date, and they are unexpectedly in first place in the NL Central while the Cubs attempt to get hot and stay hot. The Brewers have nearly entered the phase of the rebuild where it is time to leave the roster alone and let it gel into a cohesive unit. One or two more minor moves this July could bring in additional prospects to round out what is fast becoming one of the most exciting lineups to watch in the National League.

Veteran starter Matt Garza has pitched effectively in his eight starts this year for the Brewers. The 33-year-old right-hander is 2-2 with a 3.83 ERA. He has looked much better than in 2015 and 2016 where he struggled with injuries. Garza is in the final year of his contract with the Brewers. His vesting option for 2018 will not trigger, and he can be retained for $5 million next season. That fact alone makes him valuable, especially if he can pitch like a number-three starter.

The Brewers are building up a young core that will be able to contend with the Cubs, perhaps as early as next year. Their signing of Eric Thames looks like a master stroke of genius, as does the trade of reliever Tyler Thornburg for Travis Shaw. If the front office can hit on a Garza trade that brings back good value, watch out.