According to Jim Bowden of ESPN and MLB Network Radio, the Padres have expressed interest in acquiring right-handed starter Matt Garza from the Cubs in a package trade that would include 22-year-old first baseman Anthony Rizzo.
It’s not yet known which other names are involve in the talks, or how far along the negotiations are.
Rizzo was made expendable Saturday when the Padres picked up first base prospect Yonder Alonso in a five-player trade with the Reds. Alonso is expected to open the 2012 season as San Diego’s starting first baseman.
Garza, 28, posted a 3.32 ERA and 1.26 WHIP in 31 starts this past year for the Cubs, fanning 197 batters and walking only 63 across 198 total innings. He’s arbitration-eligible for two more seasons.