Matt Garza Traded To Texas Rangers, Will Start Wednesday

Matt Garza was traded to the Texas Rangers on Monday and is expected to start with his new team on Wednesday against the New York Yankees.

The Rangers acquired Garza in a trade that gives the Chicago Cubs five players, including third baseman Mike Olt and starting pitchers Justin Grimm and C.J. Edwards. The remaining two players will be named at a later date.

Rangers manager Ron Washington spoke about the trade and acquisition of Garza on Tuesday. ESPN reports that Washington stated, “[Garza’s] excited, big smile on his face. I think I sat here with just as a big a smile as he did. He’s ready to go, man. I wouldn’t expect anything less.

Matt Garza pitched 5-0 with a 1.24 ERA in his final six starts for the Cubs and last pitched on July 13 against St. Louis. Rangers backup catcher Geovany Soto, appeared excited to be gaining a former teammate back. He commented that Garza is “a power pitcher. he will upgrade any rotation in the big leagues.”

Despite his apparent excitement at being traded to the Rangers, Garza didn’t speak to reporters on Tuesday. Instead, as the Rangers explained, the pitcher stuck to his personal policy of not accepting interviews the day before he pitches.

The trade will help strengthen the Rangers rotation, which has been affected by injuries, according to USA Today. Daniels added of Matt Garza’s trade, “He’s an extremely talented pitcher… and he’s had success in the toughest divisions and on the biggest stages.” The Rangers manager added that the trade will give the club “a chance to get into the tournament and see where it goes.”

And if the trade pays off, the Rangers will likely look at signing a contract extension with Matt Garza. For now, the pitcher is set to enter free agency at the end of the season. It is unclear if any other teams will attempt to sign him.

Do you think the Cubs made the right decision to trade Matt Garza to the Texas Rangers?

[Image by dbking via Wikimedia Commons]