Milwaukee Brewers: Evaluating the future of Matt Garza

There have been some discussions over social media recently, apparently, Matt Garza’s time in a Milwaukee Brewers uniform may not be quite over once the season comes to an end.

When the Milwaukee Brewers decided to ink Matt Garza to a four year 50 million plus deal with a fifth-year option at 13 million dollars back in 2014, there were many different reactions by fans. Some thought that the Brewers paid too much for a guy that ” hasn’t done much”.

Other reactions, mine included, basked in an exuberant amount of joy. Thinking that we had just made the steal of the off-season. After all, he did win the 2008 A.L.C.S M.V.P and he tossed a no hitter two seasons later.

Of course, those accolades of one season are not looked at by a team when you want to hand a guy a 50 million dollar deal. What is looked at, however, is there long term success up to the point that they sign on the dotted line.

Prior to Garza signing with Milwaukee. His stats with the Chicago Cubs/ Texas Rangers the teams he played for the season before were most likely glanced at to make the decision of such a big commitment for a small market team.

CHC.  W-L, 21-18, Era 3.45,

TEX, W-L, 4-5, 4.38 Era.

Now let’s take a look at Matt Garza’s career stats in four years in Milwaukee by year.

2014. W-L 8-8, 3.64 Era. Earnings– 12,500,000 $

2015. W-L 6-14, 5.63 Era. Earnings- 12,500,000 $

2016. W-L 6-8, 4.51 Era. Earnings 12,500,000 $

2017. W-L 6-7, 4.67 Era. Earnings  12,500,000 $

Career Stats.  W-L 93-104, Era 4.07

How are those numbers even worth considering exercising an option?  Even if it is only for five million dollars? Especially when you have prospects like Brandon Woodruff and Taylor Jungmann, Corbin Burnes, etc waiting for their shot in the major leagues.

Of course, five million dollars is not a lot for a team that has two players making over 10 million dollars this season. Ryan Braun and Garza are the only big commitments on the 25 man roster.

Let us not forget about rising star Josh Hader, who continues to impress at the major league level. He is currently coming out of the bullpen, but he is still viewed as a starter in Milwaukee and his time is in 2018.

If the Brewers were to let Garza walk they would not only be giving a young prospect a chance, but they would be able to save some money to perhaps make an addition in the off-season to help improve this contending Milwaukee Brewers team.

They could also use some of that money to help pay Jimmy Nelson, who could be due for a pretty expensive arbitration deal.

Next: Corey Knebel sets new franchise record

There just are not enough positives for the Milwaukee Brewers to exercise a fairly cheap option. But cheap or not halting the major league development of your top young arms is not smart.