The Blue Jays are focusing on Matt Garza and Wandy Rodriguez in the trade market, Jon Morosi of Fox Sports reports. If the Blue Jays buy a pitcher this season, they want one with multiple years remaining on his contract.
Garza, 28, is under contract for $9.5 million this season but has one more year of arbitration remaining before hitting free agency. Because of this extra year of control, GMs told Jon Heyman, Garza could draw more in a trade than Cole Hamels and Zack Greinke. Garza has a 4.32 ERA this year but is coming off five straight seasons with an ERA below 4.00.
Rodriguez, 33, is signed through 2013 for $13 million per year and has a $13 million club option for 2014 with a $2.5 million buyout. Due to his greater age and guaranteed money, Rodriguez should cost much less in terms of prospects. Even though he has a 3.54 ERA, his strikeout rate and swinging strike rate are starting to slip this season.