On Thursday, we learned that the Brewers had signed free agent starter Matt Garza to a four-year, $52 million contract. However, the deal was never finalized and talks hit a standstill. Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reported earlier that the hold-up was related to certain language included in the contract.
Per Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Brewers owner Mark Attanasio says the two sides have a deal “in place”. Garza’s contract is for $50 million over four years and includes $4 million in incentives and a fifth-year vesting option worth $13 million, per MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy. So, potentially five years and $67 million. The deal is pending MLB and MLBPA approval.
Outfielder Ryan Braun and starter Yovani Gallardo, two Brewer stalwarts, were asked about the Garza deal, recently. Both were quite receptive to the addition.#Brewers Yovani Gallardo on WTMJ Radio on what Matt Garza could bring to club: “He’s a competitor… He’s aggressive.”
— Tom (@Haudricourt) January 26, 2014Braun on potential addition of Matt Garza: “I think he’s one of the best pitchers in baseball. One of the toughest at-bats. Great stuff.”
— Todd Rosiak (@Todd_Rosiak) January 26, 2014Follow @CrashburnAlley
