Sox Reportedly Scouting Matt Garza

As Boston looks to shore up their pitching for a second half stretch run scouts are taking a closer look at Matt Garza, a pitcher who has been on the Red Sox wish list more than once in years past.

Jun 21, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Matt Garza (22) pitches against the Houston Astros during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Garza is a dicey bet for the Sox. He comes with a high price tag – a $10.25 million payout in 2013 – and is arbitration eligible after the 2014 season. Even if the Sox wanted to bite on Garza to get them to the promised land this year he’s a free agency risk.

With that as the backdrop, the Red Sox are reportedly following the Cubs on their recent west coast swing in order to scout Garza. Theo Epstein and company know the Red Sox system well and would likely be asking for two or three top prospects in return. It’s a dear price that prospect rich Boston frankly might not be wiling to pay.

Garza, who has pitched .500 ball for the Cubs (18-18) since joining them in 2011, has dealt with a latissimus dorsi strain this year that kept him out until late May. He has been more effective in the National League vs. the American League. His career NL ERA is 3.74 while his AL career ERA is 4.11, the DH factor likely contributing to the differential. Garza is 3-1 in 2013 with a 3.83 ERA.

Check out some lively fan commentary about Garza in the comments section of Earl Nash’s recent BSI piece, Mid-Season Trade Mart, Pt. 2: Why Not Trade Prospects for Lee AND Papelbon?