Chicago Cubs Rumors: Matt Garza Must Be Retained for Future Success

The Chicago Cubs will be going through a lot of tough decisions to build their team into a future contender, but one piece that both Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer cannot get rid of is starting pitcher Matt Garza.

With arbitration currently going on, the two parties seem to be at different ends of the table. 

The Cubs offered their leading pitcher $7.95 million, while Garza was looking for more of something in the $10.225 million range. While the team certainly set the bar low, there is no reason that they shouldn't find a way to get closer to what Garza is asking.

There has been talk that the team may offer him a long-term deal soon, but nothing can be counted on until there are names signed on the lines.

Would the team consider trading him? Possibly, as it is a situation they haven't shied away from early on this offseason. Before this situation even came about, Epstein stated that he had no interest in trading Garza and that he is the type of player that he can build a future around.

Will he stick to his word? That will remain to be seen.

While the team could get a sizable return for the star pitcher, the team desperately needs him for this coming season.

They have already parted with pieces like Carlos Zambrano and Andrew Cashner, while hoping to rely on veteran pitchers such as Ryan Dempster and Randy Wells.

They aren't even the biggest risk for this team. They will be hoping that trade pieces like Travis Wood and Chris Volstad will be able to perform. It will also remain to be seen what left-handed pitcher Paul Maholm will be able to bring to the North Side, as well as any potential for on-off starter Jeff Samardzija.

While it is apparent that the Cubs have a plethora of options at pitcher, not one of those guys provide the reliability that Garza does. At least not yet.

Last season, Garza was by far the Cubs' best pitcher.

He had an ERA of just 3.32, while striking out 197 batters in 198 innings. He also only allowed 14 home runs—a career-best. The Cubs should be willing to pay him if he is going to continue to put up these numbers for many seasons to come.

One can understand their possible consideration of trading him. They are rebuilding and they could certainly get a lot of trading chips in return. It just doesn't seem like it will be the move to benefit the club down the line.

The team has their future set up at first base, outfield and they definitely have enough young talented pitching to fulfill their rotation and bullpen. The only question marks are third and second base, but at least one of those positions will be covered if longtime prospect Josh Vitters comes through.

And while it isn't this front office's fault, Dempster is getting paid $14 million this offseason because of an option that former GM Jim Hendry gave him. Giving Garza at least $4 million less shouldn't hurt this team.

The Cubs must continue to rebuild, but they cannot move on from future fixtures like Garza.

Jeff Chase is a featured columnist for the Chicago Cubs and Arizona State football.