Rangers strike quickly, acquire Matt Garza from Cubs

Matt Garza has been targeted by the Texas Rangers in past seasons. (Photo: Rob Grabowski, USA TODAY Sports)

The Texas Rangers moved quickly to nab one of the top pitching prizes on the trade market, acquiring right-hander Matt Garza from the Chicago Cubs on Monday in exchange for a package of prospects, a person with knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports.

The person requested anonymity because the trade will not be final until players pass physicals.

The Cubs had discussions with Garza on a contract extension but instead decided to trade the potential free agent.

In return, the Cubs received third baseman Mike Olt, right-handed pitcher Justin Grimm, C.J. Edwards and a player to be named, according to Yahoo! Sports.

Garza was scheduled to pitch Monday night but was a late scratch.

The Rangers' interest in Garza dates back to 2011, when he played for the Tampa Bay Rays. But they lost out when he was traded to the Cubs in the offseason. Last July, they were close to landing him at the trade deadline, but an elbow injury halted trade talks. Instead, the Rangers traded for his former teammate Ryan Dempster.

After missing the first two months of this season, Garza has gone 6-1 in 11 starts with a 3.17 ERA, including 5-0 with a 1.24 ERA in his last six.

With five starters on the disabled list -- left-hander Matt Harrison, right-handers Yu Darvish, Alexi Ogando, Nick Tepesch and Colby Lewis -- the Rangers needed a top-of-the-rotation type starter to contend in the American League West.

Texas is two games behind the Oakland Athletics in the division to begin the second half of the season.

The Cubs have had a busy month. They already parted ways with outfielder Scott Hairston, who was dealt to the Washington Nationals, right-hander Scott Feldman, who was sent to the Baltimore Orioles, and right-handed reliever Carlos Marmol, who was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers.