Garza's option voided, becomes free agent

[bork]

Due to some complicated wording in the contract, because he reached 90 starts with the Brewers, his $5 million option is voided and he becomes a free agent.

 

It included a vesting option for $13 million in 2018 that would have kicked in had Garza started 110 games from 2014-17, pitch 115 innings in 2017 and finished this season healthy. He's healthy, but fell short in starts and innings.

The original reporting was that if Garza didn't vest, it instead became a $5 million club option. But what wasn't reported at that time or since was that the club option would be voided if Garza made 90 starts during the deal, freeing him to be a free agent again rather than play for what, at the time, looked to be a below-market $5 million salary.

 

http://m.brewers.mlb.com/news/article/256871878/brewers-matt-garza-headed-for-free-agency/?topicId=27118386

[pacopete4]

I’d be surprised if he didn’t retire.

[bork]

And they are still paying him $2 million per year over the next 4 years in deferred money.

[EauClaireNWL]

He was pretty bad towards the end of the year. I don't even know if they would have picked up his option had it been available at $5 million next season. It's addition by subtraction frankly and a 40 man roster spot that can be better used on a youngster that can contribute long term.

[bork]

It also saves the $1 million buyout.

[MadScientist]

Good, I didn't want the Brewers to think that $5M was reasonable and tradeable, and then wind up stuck with Garza again.

[adambr2]

It also saves the $1 million buyout.

 

Never heard of a buyout in Garza's deal.

[bork]

I knew there was $1 million in there somewhere, but it wasn't a buyout.

 

4 years/$50M (2014-17), plus 2018 vesting option

signed by Milwaukee as a free agent 1/27/14

14-17:$12.5M annually. 18:$5M club option

2018 option guaranteed at $13M if Garza 1) has 110 starts in 2014-17, 2) has 115 innings in 2017 and 3) is not on the disabled list at end of 2017 season

club may exercise 2018 option at $1M if Garza spends more than 130 days on disabled list in any 183-day period from 2014 to 2017

2018 option is voided is Garza meets games pitched threshold (met)

$2M annually is deferred without interest, to be paid in four installments each Dec. 15, 2018-21

annual performance bonuses: $0.5M each for 30 starts, 190 IP

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

Garza will sign with someone on a minor league deal before spring traning. I predict that team will be the Cardinals, and he'll be their #3 starter by the middle of May.

[3and2Fastball]

I predict he'll be an Angel. Seems like the exact type of pitcher the Angels sign...

[KCBrewerfan34]

Good bye Matt. Thank goodness we don't have that option. No reason to try and get cute.

[torts]

Farewell Garza, we knew ye' well