Dodgers Trade Rumors: Matt Garza, Ryan Dempster

LA In Talks with Cubs for Starters

The Los Angeles Dodgers are talking to the Chicago Cubs about acquiring one of their two available right-handed starting pitchers, Matt Garza and Ryan Dempster, reports Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com:

The Dodgers are talking to the Cubs about acquiring either one of their two coveted starting pitchers, Ryan Dempster or Matt Garza, sources say.

The Dodgers have long been known to be targeting Dempster and are seen as a favorite for him. But it turns out they've had conversations about Garza, as well.

Heyman adds that while the Dodgers are willing to take on "a decent-sized contract" with their new ownership group in place, the Cubs would prefer to get talent back from their top trade chips.

Garza has posted an ERA and WHIP of 4.32 and 1.196 over his 16 starts spanning 93 2/3 innings with 8.3 SO/9 and 2.8 BB/9. The 28-year-old is making $9.5 million this year and is under team control through the 2013 season.

The 35-year-old Dempster, a free agent after the season, is making $14 million this year. He’s posted a miniscule ERA and WHIP of 1.99 and 1.012 with 7.3 SO/9 and 2.3 BB/9.