CUBS CORRAL GARZA IN 8-PLAYER SWAP
The Chicago Cubs acquired pitcher Matt Garza, outfielder Fernando Perez and pitcher Zachary Rosscup from the Tampa Bay Rays for pitcher Chris Archer, shortstop Hak-Ju Lee, catcher Robinson Chirinos and outfielders Sam Fuld and Brandon Guyer.
What does it give the Chicago Cubs
In Garza, the Cubs land a quality starter with the ability to emerge as their ace. At 27, Garza is just entering his prime, and he's shown the ability to dominate hitters for stretches over the past three campaigns. Perez provides outfield depth and, while Rosscup is awhile away from the bigs, he's shown good command in the lower minors.
What does it give the Tampa Bay Rays
The cost-conscious Rays are always looking to field a quality team without a big payroll, and faced paying Garza several million dollars next season due to arbitration. With top starter prospect Jeremy Hellickson ready for his chance to start regularly with the big club, the Rays move Garza here and get some good prospects in return. Archer has been excellent in the minors and has major potential, while Lee has significant upside as well. Chirinos is an older prospect but has been very good in the minors the past two years and could eventually start at catcher for Tampa, while Fuld and Guyer boost the Rays' outfield depth.
Fantasy impact
