The trade that we all assumed would happen at some point is finally going down on this Monday afternoon, with the Chicago Cubs officially set to send Matt Garza to the Texas Rangers. The two sides had nearly agreed to a deal towards the end of last week, before medicals on one of the prospects going to the Cubs in the deal caused things to fall apart.
The deal will send only Garza to the Rangers, despite reports last week that James Russell could potentially be included as well. The Rangers get the front-end starter they've been coveting all year, and a damn good one in Garza. He's likely a rental, but having a fine season, particularly of late, after starting the season on the DL. He had posted a 3.17 ERA in 70+ innings with the Cubs this season and was slated to start on Monday night in Arizona.
With the power arm in Garza going to Texas, the Cubs get the return they were hoping for. If things pan out the way they could, there's no doubt that the Rangers overpaid, but for a hurler of Garza's caliber, it could be worth it. Going back to Chicago in the deal is a package that includes third baseman Mike Olt, Single A pitcher C.J. Edwards, Justin Grimm, and a player to be named later. Quite a haul for an organization still trying to stock up the farm.
The Cubs are reportedly considering Edwards to be the centerpiece of this trade. He's had a fine year at Hickory, posting a 1.83 ERA in 18 starts, along with a very impressive k-rate, striking out almost 12 hitters per nine. His fastball has come along in the past year, reaching up to 95 MPH. He also boasts a plus curveball, but it remains to be seen what type of role he'll project to be, whether it be starter, reliever, or potential closer for this team.
Mike Olt represents some intrigue for the Cubs. Had this trade been last winter, Olt would have been the centerpiece of such a move. He had an awful start to the year, and has had some issues with his vision, but he has come on lately. If he can get it back together, he's a power bat who gets on base plenty, thanks to a high walk rate, but he also strikes out a ton. He's an above average defender at third base as well.
As a third piece in the deal, Justin Grimm is a terrific get for the Cubs. He has struggled this year in Major League action, but don't let that fool you. He's a top prospect of this club and the fact that the Cubs got him as the third piece is a steal. He can be a nice piece in the rotation for the Cubs, even if he's not a top of the rotation guy. The PTBNL is just a sweetener to make this deal even better for the Cubs.
The Rangers needed to overpay for Garza, given the state of their rotation, healthwise and they did. We'll see if they're able to lock him up long term or if he's purely a rental. The Cubs made out pretty well here, as their improving farm system gets even better. This could be a deal that benefits both sides.
