Phillies: Matt Garza the veteran starting pitcher to sign?

A vesting option could lead to the Phillies adding a former ace in free agency

Nearly a decade ago Matt Garza was on the mound against the Phillies in game three of the 2008 World Series, taking a loss en route to Philadelphia’s first championship in nearly two decades. Now, he could join the team that denied him a ring.

Finishing his 12th major league season, Garza stands to leave the Milwaukee Brewers in free agency this offseason. Despite the Brewers being in the playoff hunt, the young club is unlikely to keep a starter due to turn 34 by next season.

Garza does have a vesting option with Milwaukee, which will not be fulfilled after not meeting the reported criteria.

Philadelphia, however, could use a veteran pitcher with playoff experience such as Garza to mentor a young staff, and potentially garner some trade value. Ending the 2017 season with an ERA destined to sit around a clean 5.00 Garza would be in the same situation as Clay Buchholz or Jeremy Hellickson from their time in Philadelphia.

No one expects Garza to go into next season as a top-tier starter like 2008 with Tampa Bay when he took home ALCS MVP honors.

With few big starting pitchers expected to hit free agency and the Phillies desire to add a veteran there’s, unfortunately, no one with a better pedigree than Garza. His numbers aren’t flashy and his performances inside Citizens Bank Park could be rough, but there’s no harm in bringing him in for a couple of months.

Here’s a recap of what happened when Garza took the mound at Citizens Bank Park in 2008.

Next: Phillies biggest surprises of 2017

Philadelphia currently has only $6 million in salary dedicated next season, pre-arbitration filing for players such as Cesar Hernandez. Outbidding other teams to fill a hole in the starting rotation that could turn into a prospect does little damage.