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Cubs Rumors: Will Consider Offers for Castro, Garza

By Blaine Blontz

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May 13, 2012; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro (13) during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-US PRESSWIRE
May 13, 2012; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro (13) during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-US PRESSWIRE

The Chicago Cubs are letting teams know that nearly every player on their roster is available to be had, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today. While this doesn’t include starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija, two high-ranking Cubs officials said that high-profile players such as Starlin Castro, Matt Garza and Bryan LaHair are available along with veterans Ryan Dempster and Alfonso Soriano.

It’s not much of a surprise to hear the unnamed Cubs officials state that Dempster and Soriano are available or even LaHair and Garza. However, few expected the 22-year-old Castro to be dangled this summer, even considering the Cubs poor performance to start the season.

Dempster is almost guaranteed to be gone by the non-waiver trade deadline. The right-hander is in the final year of his contract and has posted a solid 2.90 ERA and 1.153 WHIP over his first nine starts of the season.

The Cubs have said they’d like to keep Garza around, but Theo Epstein and company may jump at the opportunity to expedite their rebuilding process by shipping the 28-year-old out for a bevy of prospects.

Despite LaHair’s hot start following his first real opportunity with the Cubs, the 29-year-old is available due to the presence of top first base prospect Anthony Rizzo.

Chicago can only hope to trade Soriano, who’s turned things up at the plate a bit of late. Still, Soriano is owed roughly $50 million between now and the end of the 2014 season, and his production only figures to decline over that span. According to Nightengale, the Cubs will gladly eat some of Soriano’s hefty remaining tab, but they still may struggle in finding a suitor for the 36-year-old.

The most surprising name to see is Castro. While he is available, the budding superstar will cost teams a pretty penny. According to Nightengale, Castro "can be obtained for two impact prospects".

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