Cubs Avoid Arbitration With Matt Garza

The Cubs have avoided arbitration with Matt Garza by agreeing to a one-year, $10.25MM deal, according to his representatives at CAA (on Twitter).  The 29-year-old is set to hit the open market after the 2013 campaign.

Garza's $10.25MM salary represents a $750K from his salary last season.  In 2012, Garza posted a 3.91 ERA with 8.3 K/9 and 2.8 BB/9 in 18 starts.  The right-hander has been the subject of trade rumors for some time with teams including the Rangers showing interest at various points.

Now that they have Garza squared away, the Cubs still have to take care of James Russell and Jeff Samardzija.  The Cubs and Samardzija were talking about a multi-year deal previously but are now said to be working on a one-year pact.