Matt Garza's deal with Brewers officially done

Garza with the Rangers in 2013.

Update (Sunday): The Brewers have officially announced that the four-year, $50 million guaranteed deal with Matt Garza has been finalized on Sunday at the team's annual fan event. The contract also includes an option for a fifth year. With incentives, Garza's deal could top out at $67 million.

Update (Thursday): Matt Garza's deal has not been finalized, the Brewers announced. They noted that the sides were still in negotiations, but nothing had been completed. It has been reported that Garza has had issues with his physical. 

Rumors swirled around the baseball world Thursday morning, saying that Matt Garza could sign with the Brewers. Many thought that would definitely be a bold move by the team from Milwaukee, but also thought that it was just another rumor of the Hot Stove season. 

The Brewers did in fact sign Matt Garza to a four-year, $52 million deal, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. They will not lose a draft pick because Garza was not eligable for a qualifying offer at the beginning of the offseason.

Last season, spending time between the Cubs and Rangers, Garza went 10-6 with a 3.82 ERA and a 1.236 WHIP (106 ERA+) in 24 starts. His teams went 16-8 in Garza's stars. He delievered a quality start 46% of the time in 2013. Over his career, Garza has been very good. He has gone 67-67 with a 3.84 ERA and a 1.283 WHIP (108 ERA+). He has been a very solid starting pitcher with the Twins, Rays, Cubs, and Rangers.

One issue with Garza is his health. He has had issues with his arm, and has missed significant time because of it. The last time Garza made 30 or more starts was in 2011, when Garza went 10-10 with a 3.32 ERA in 31 starts with the Chicago Cubs.

In my opinion, I believe the Brewers did a very good job of waiting out the market and getting Garza at a somewhat reduced rate. On his best day, Garza can be an ace of any staff. With the Brewers, he can show that he can play well and be the ace of their staff. 

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