Chicago, IL – The Chicago Cubs avoided arbitration with Matt year contract.
Financial terms were not disclosed, but the Chicago Tribune reported the settlement to be for $9.5 million. Garza had requested $12.5 million, while the Cubs had offered $7.95 million.
The 28-year-old righty posted a 10-10 record with a career-best 3.32 earned run average in 31 starts for the Cubs in 2011. His 197 strikeouts were a team high.
Garza has compiled a 52-54 record with a 3.83 ERA in 152 games, including 149 starts, during his six-year major league career.
The former first-round draft pick (25th overall) by the Twins played two major league seasons with Minnesota and three with Tampa Bay before joining the Cubs in an eight-player trade in January 2011. In two postseasons with the Rays, 2008 and 2010, Garza was 2-1 with a 3.48 ERA.
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