Brewers Sign Ex-Cub Matt Garza To 4-Year Deal
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Free agent pitcher Matt Garza signed a four-year contract with Milwaukee on Sunday, boosting the Brewers' hopes following a disappointing season.
The Brewers made the announcement, saying the contract included a vesting option for the 2018 season. Earlier in the afternoon, team owner Mark Attanasio was on stage during a question-and-answer session at a fan event and said a deal was in place.
"Matt is an established top-of-the-rotation pitcher who provides our staff with experience and quality depth," general manager Doug Melvin said.
There had been recent reports that the Brewers were talking to Garza about a four-year deal worth $52 million. Milwaukee went 74-88 last year.
The 30-year-old righty went 10-6 with a 3.82 ERA last season for the Chicago Cubs and Texas Rangers. He missed most of the first two months while recovering from an injury that affected his side and back.
Garza will join Yovani Gallardo and Kyle Lohse at the top of Milwaukee's rotation. He is 67-67 with a 3.84 ERA in eight seasons with Minnesota, Tampa Bay, the Cubs and Texas.
Garza was the MVP of the 2008 AL championship series, beating Boston twice while with Tampa Bay. He also has thrown the only no-hitter in Rays' history, on July 26, 2010, against Detroit.
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