Matt Garza Rumors: Yankees, Red Sox and Blue Jays

The Chicago Cubs are saying they’ll try to sign right-hander Matt Garza, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com. Heyman adds that rival general managers still believe there’s a decent chance Garza will be traded. Heyman speculates that the Garza sweepstakes could heat up into a battle between three American League East teams; the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays.

#cubs saying theyll try to sign garza. but rival gms see decent chance of trade. could be AL east battle (nyy, bos, tor)

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) June 6, 2012

Last week it was reported that the Cubs would consider offers for several of their players, including Garza, this summer. Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reported this weekend that the Cubs were leaving open the option of signing Garza long-term.

All three teams Heyman mentions, the Yankees, Red Sox and Blue Jays, have been tied to Garza or starting pitching recently. Garza spent three seasons pitching for the Tampa Bay Rays, leading Heyman and others to speculate that the 28-year-old’s experience pitching in the AL East could appeal to New York, Boston and Toronto.

Rosenthal reported yesterday that the Blue Jays were "sniffing all over" Garza. On Friday, Heyman reported that if the Yankees decided to add a starter this summer, Garza is the pitcher that interests them the most. While the Red Sox haven’t been tied to Garza recently, it was reported Monday that Boston will prioritize starting pitching depth this summer.