Cubs Rumors: Matt Garza "In Very Big Play"

The Chicago Cubs will trade right-hander Matt Garza if they are overwhelmed, a baseball executive told Jayson Stark of ESPN. The executive believes that Garza is "going to be in very big play." So far this season, Garza has been tied to the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers.

Stark says it doesn’t appear that the Cubs have opened up shop for Garza yet, but he feels the 28-year-old is about to become a very hot rumor topic.

While the executive Stark spoke with said Garza could be had if a team overwhelms the Cubs, he added Chicago will have to receive "so much back, they can’t say no."

Buster Olney of ESPN has reported that the Cubs would be willing to trade Garza "for the right offer," while, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, Chicago is leaving open the option of signing the right-hander long-term.

It’s been speculated that the Red Sox and Tigers could potentially pursue Garza this summer. Rosenthal reported the Blue Jays were "sniffing all over" Garza earlier this week. Last week, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com wrote that if the Yankees decide to acquire a starter this summer, Garza is the pitcher that most interests them.