Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Matt Garza (6-1 3.17 ERA 62 K) has been dealt to the Texas Rangers. The pieces returning to the Cubs in the deal are top third base prospect Mike Olt, twenty-one year old right handed pitcher CJ Edwards, and twenty-four year old right hander Justin Grimm.
The deal is a win-win for both clubs; the Rangers get a top-of-the-rotation caliber arm, and the rebuilding Cubs get two top prospects (including potential all-star, Olt) and Grimm, a serviceable major league arm to hold down the fort until the young talent develops.
The scouting report on Olt reads as such: Physical, mature and strong body. Really good frame with tons of natural strength. Solid athleticism with fluid movements and good coordination for a man of his build. He is batting a career .270 in just under two full minor league seasons (300 games) with 64 HRs and 208 RBI. Olt could be the bat the Cubs need to protect Anthony Rizzo in the middle of their order.
The Cubs could also soon be looking to call up Edwards (who throws in the mid 90’s and controls his curve and change-up well) to infuse the club with young pitching talent. Edwards posted an incredible 1.48 ERA and 0.80 WHIP at (A) Spokane last season. He projects as a 2-3 starter and has a very high ceiling. My ETA for Edwards is early 2014.
Right now the winners of this trade are the Rangers, who now have a formidable rotation led by Yu Darvish and Garza, which can pitch them deep into October.
A few years down the road however, the Cubs may have gotten a steal if the prospects pan out. Only time will tell, but as for now the first domino has fallen on trading season. Look for many more trades to follow leading up to the July 31st deadline.
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Main Photo Credit: rrstar.com, CC
