Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports
It is actually finally official. A day after it looked like the Texas Rangers might not be quite as interested in the Chicago Cubs main trade chip, Matt Garza, they completed a trade on Monday. The Rangers get the resurgent and great pitching Garza and the Cubbies get four or five players in return depending on the players to be named later. The names we know are Mike Olt, Justin Grimm and C.J. Edwards. All in all it looks like a big deal for the Cubs.
Olt hasn’t swung the bat terribly well in MLB but his potential is there to be a run producing third baseman. He also has played some games at first base and in the outfield. Grimm has had his struggles but his potential might lie in the future if the Cubs can harness his ability. He has sported a strikeout per 9 innings ratio upwards of 9 which might look decent in the bullpen if he can’t be straightened out in the starting role.
Edwards might be the strongest piece of the deal right now. He is a young pitching prospect that has a career ERA of 1.63 and a WHIP below 1.0 in 31 starts in the minors. They also have their choice of pitchers to be named later as both remaining PTBNL will be chosen by the Cubs from a list of pitching prospects.
Without a doubt the Rangers are getting a very good Garza but the Cubbies made a great deal in my opinion. They won’t miss Garza that much considering their position and their future looks a bit brighter as they strengthened their organization with this deal. Good move both sides, considering Garza comes with no option past this year, advantage Cubbies.
David Miller is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @davidmillerrant, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google Plus.
