Matt Garza: 5 Prospect Packages That Could Pry Him Away from the Cubs

Cubs right-hander Matt Garza has been subject to trade speculation for the better part of the past two seasons.

Even after being acquired by the Cubs last offseason, Garza's name has still popped up as a potential trade target.

Theo Epstein, Jed Hoyer and the Cubs organization would be smart to consider moving the 28-year-old, as the return for a pitcher of his caliber would likely be quite large.

Garza, who owns a career 53-55 record, has been the victim of shotty run support in his time in the majors.

His career ERA is just 3.83, and the only time he recorded an ERA of 4.00 or higher was his rookie season in Minnesota.

With proper run support, he could easily be a 15-win pitcher every season.

As always, several teams will be in the market for an impact starter come July, and Garza will likely be a hot commodity if he's indeed made available.

Toronto Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays were rumored to have interest in Garza back in January, even though it proved to be a long shot for the Jays to acquire him.

This interest was prior to the emergence of Kyle Drabek in the rotation, but Alex Anthopolous and the Jays may still look to upgrade the rotation if they're in contention come July.

Their offense is potent, and the starting rotation could be strengthened with the addition of another ace beside Ricky Romero.

If the Jays and Cubs resume talks in the future, expect the Cubs to have interest in Travis D'Arnaud. Even with J.P. Arencibia on the roster, it's unlikely that Anthopolous will want to part with his top prospect.

Instead, look for the Jays to counter offer with a package focused around catcher A.J. Jimenez and right-hander Chad Jenkins (pictured).

The Jays could also throw in a lower-level prospect and perhaps a player like Rajai Davis.

Texas Rangers

Back in December, the Cubs and Rangers were in heated talks regarding a possible trade of Garza.

The Rangers were still in negotiations with C.J. Wilson at the time, but were almost positive that he would not be returning.

Yu Darvish ended up being Wilson's replacement, but talks could heat back up again in July if the Rangers suffer an injury in the rotation.

They most certainly have the prospects to get a deal done.

Third base prospect Mike Olt would draw interest from the Cubs, as would right-hander Tanner Scheppers (pictured).

If the Rangers were willing to include two of their higher-level prospects in the deal, it wouldn't take much more for the Cubs to ship Garza.

Including center fielder Julio Borbon may be enough to push the offer over the edge.

Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox rotation has been a big issue already this season, and they will most likely be in the hunt for upgrades come July.

Although a smaller move is more likely, they could still attempt to pry Garza away from the Cubs.

The Cubs will ask about Will Middlebrooks, as well as Ryan Lavarnway and likely be denied at both requests.

A more likely deal would be if the Red Sox sent second baseman Sean Coyle (pictured) and right-hander Anthony Ranaudo to Chicago, along with a few other mid-level prospects.

Coyle is blocked by Pedroia at second, so he would likely be expendable, and Ranaudo is pretty raw at this point in his career.

A deal involving Lavarnway or Middlebrooks will definitely have the Sox giving away less quantity, but it's unlikely that they will want to part with either of their top-five prospects.

Detroit Tigers

With the addition of Prince Fielder and the subsequent shifting of position by Miguel Cabrera, it seems as if third base prospect Nick Castellanos is without a spot on the roster when he's ready to get the call.

Castellanos could possibly shift to second base, but it's likely that he'll stay at the hot corner.

The Tigers are in no rush to trade their top hitting prospect, but he may have become expendable now that the corners will be occupied in Detroit for the foreseeable future.

There's no doubt that the Cubs would be interested, and if the Tigers were willing to throw in a pitcher like left-hander Duane Below and possibly another mid-level prospect, a deal could be worked out for Garza.

With Justin Verlander and Garza atop a rotation that also features Doug Fister, Max Scherzer and Rick Porcello, the Tigers would become a potential World Series contender.

New York Yankees

I'd be remiss if I did not include the Yankees in a potential deadline deal regarding a top-of-the-rotation starter.

Phil Hughes, Freddy Garcia and Hiroki Kuroda have all struggled early on this season.

Help is on the way in the person of Andy Pettitte—if he proves that a year off from the game hasn't hindered his abilities.

Michael Pineda is currently on the disabled list, but it'd be smart to leave him in Triple-A to work on his repertoire.

Garza could be a nice, short-term (and potentially long-term) option for Brian Cashman and the Yankees.

Right-hander Dellin Betances would be the centerpiece of a potential deal, and second baseman David Adams or third baseman Tyler Austin could sweeten the deal.

Two more mid-level prospects would certainly be enough to pry him away from Chicago.