Jose Quintana is one of the most coveted pitchers on the free agent market. He has been dominant on the mound - atleast 200 innings pitched with a sub 3.60 ERA the past four seasons - and comes at a discounted rate - just $7 million in 2017 and under team control until 2020.
Any team in need of front-line pitching could be interested in Quintana. However reports had his market down to the Houston Astros and Pittsburgh Pirates.
Both teams aren't just in need of starting pitching, but have the farm systems to get a deal done. It has seemed as if one of those two teams would be Quintana's eventual landing spot.
However while Quintana's potential landing spot was thought to be figured out, fans never really got a great understanding of what the White Sox would receive in return. Brian Bilek of Sox Net recently wrote an article in an effort to change that.
In Bilek's latest piece, he detailed the seven most likely landing spots for Quintana and what it would take to get a deal done. The seven teams he listed, in order from least to most likely, were the Rangers, Dodgers, Rockies, Yankees, Astros, Braves and Pirates.
For the Rangers, he reported that the White Sox have insisted on either Nomar Mazara or Yohander Mendez as headliners, an idea Texas has balked at. Due to this, the Rangers seem like an unlikely landing spot for Quintana.
Bilek did say that a likely trade package includes: Leody Tavares, Andy Ibanez, Joey Gallo and a Single A pitcher. However it seemed as if Bilek was speculating rather than reporting with that offer.
Bilek noted that while the Dodgers and White Sox have had talks over Quintana, the Los Angeles refused to include top prospect Cody Bellinger, making a deal unlikely.
Finally, the Sox Net reporter wrote that the White Sox would want one of David Dahl or Brendan Rodgers in return from the Rockies. He noted that with due to Colorado's confusing front office, it's hard to gauge just how serious talks have gotten.
As for the Pirates, Astros, Yankees and Braves, Bilek reported what seems to be the team's offers for Jose Quintana. While he did note that his article was conjecture, or a conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete information, each trade package seems similar to what the White Sox would get in a deal.
While it isn't certain that each trade package is 100% correct, Bilek's report pinpoints the outline of any Quintana deal.
With Bilek touching on every team involved, fans can now decide which trade package they feel is best if the White Sox were to trade Jose Quintana.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Pirates get: Jose Quintana
White Sox get: Tyler Glasnow, Kevin Newman, Mitch Keller, Elias Diaz
According to Bilek, Rick Hahn has continuously asked for top prospect Austin Meadows in trade talks. However Pirates GM Neil Huntington has been reluctant to move the outfielder, stalling trade discussions.
Bilek reports that Huntington has been reluctant to trade first base prospect Josh Bell, along with Meadows. While Bell has shown his power potential, Bilek believes that the White Sox wouldn't want to have Bell as the headliner in a Quintana deal.
Huntington has countered Hahn's inclusion of Meadows with top pitching prospect Tyler Glasnow. The White Sox have already acquired multiple pitching prospects in Michael Kopech, Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez. Some fans may be concerned that the team is focused too much on pitching rather than offense.
While the White Sox have only received two offensive players (Yoan Moncada and Luis Basabe) in their Chris Sale and Adam Eaton trades, it doesn't mean they should only target hitting prospects. The White Sox should look to add best value possible, no matter position. If Chicago is lacking something come time for their playoff push, they should be able to add it through free agency if nothing else.
Adding Glasnow to a rotation already featuring the three aforementioned names, Carlos Rodon and Carson Fulmer would give the White Sox one of the best pitching staffs in the MLB.
Glasnow is the Pirates best prospect and the eighth best prospect in baseball according to MLB Pipeline. He has appeared in 103 minor league games and 500 innings. Glasnow holds a career 36-19 record with a 2.03 ERA and a 645/246 K/BB ratio.
Glasnow has the potential to be a true ace in the major leagues. He is the third best pitching prospect in the minor leagues. He would give the White Sox three top ten prospects and could potentially be thee team's "Chris Sale" of the future.
Kevin Newman is the Pirates fourth best prospect and the 42nd best prospect in baseball. In his 163 minor league games, the shortstop has hit .295 with seven home runs, 69 RBIs and 23 stolen bases.
Newman would need to change his position due to Tim Anderson, however he would likely be the team's second baseman of the future with Moncada moving to third or the outfield. Newman would likely lead off and create runs with his speed. Having the 1-2 punch of Newman and Anderson atop the lineup followed by power hitters in Moncada and Zack Collins would give the Sox one of the more well-rounded lineups in the MLB.
Keller is currently the Pirates fifth best prospect and the 72nd best prospect in baseball. In his 39 minor league games and 177.1 innings, Keller holds a career 9-8 record with a 2.64 ERA and a 192/48 K/BB ratio.
Keller has been a rising star in the minor leagues and will likely jump in MLB Pipeline's next rankings. He has the floor of a mid-rotation starter with potential for more. The White Sox future rotation would become crowded at this point, but Keller would absolutely hold one of the five spots.
Diaz is the Pirates ninth best prospect. He has appeared in 572 minor league games, hitting .258 with 25 homeruns, 259 RBIs and 20 stolen bases. He has also thrown out 30% of all potential base stealers.
The White Sox seem dedicated to using Zack Collins as their catcher of the future. However Diaz gives them atleast the possibility to move Collins to first. Diaz is already 25 years old, meaning he is likely ready for the MLB. While he isn't as certain as the other three prospects, he makes for an above average fourth piece in this Quintana deal.
Bilek notes that this deal seems like the most realistic of the bunch. It'll come down to if Hahn is willing to part with Quintana without receiving Austin Meadows. Regardless, the Pirates remain one of the favorites, and if Quintana is shipped to Pittsburgh, the White Sox will likely receive a deal in this nature.
Houston Astros
Astros get: Jose Quintana
White Sox get: Kyle Tucker, David Paulino, Teoscar Hernandez, Single A prospect
Bilek reports that Astros General Manager Jeff Lunhow has been reluctant to trade top pitching prospect Francis Martes. He writes that the Astros believe Martes could contribute in 2017, making his inclusion unlikely.
While he isn't as coveted as Meadows, Bilek reports that if the Astros were to include Martes there's more of a chance a deal gets done. Without him, Houston's trade package falls a bit flat.
As for what the Astros are offering, Tucker and Paulino are two top 100 prospect whereas Hernandez is more of a glorified lottery ticket.
Tucker is the Astros second best prospect and the 50th best prospect in baseball according to MLB Pipeline. Tucker is only 19, yet he has appeared in 180 minor league games. He has hit .271 with 12 homeruns, 102 RBIs and 50 stolen bases.
Tucker is likely to need more time in the minor leagues. MLB Pipeline has his estimated time arrival in 2019. However he has a ton of potential as a hitter and base-stealer and could possibly be a 20/20 player once he reaches the MLB. He would be the team's lead off hitter of the future while manning one of the Sox corner outfield positions for years to come.
Paulino is the Astros fourth best prospect and the 70th best prospect in baseball. He has appeared in 48 minor league games and 196.1 innings. Paulino holds a career 13-9 record with a 2.20 ERA and an incredible 219/50 K/BB ratio.
Paulino is a monster, standing 6'7". While he has gotten Tommy John surgery, he has the potential to be a front-line MLB pitcher. He would need more time in the minors, but he could realistically be one of the best pitchers in the White Sox super-rotation of the future.
Teoscar Hernandez is the Astros eighth best prospect. The outfielder got his first taste of MLB action in 2016, hitting .230 with four home runs and 11 RBIs in 41 games. In 594 games Hernandez hit .269 with 73 home runs, 299 RBIs and 151 stolen bases.
MLB Pipeline believes that Hernandez could turn into a 20 home run, 20 stolen base player in the major leagues. While he has standout speed, he will likely need to shift to right field in the major leagues. Hernandez would likely start for the White Sox in 2017 and be a prospect to watch as the year went on.
The prospect from A ball would likely be a player with upside. It would be a wild card, lottery ticket type prospect for the White Sox.
Overall, this deal will not get Quintana to the Astros. This offer is not even in the same ballpark as to what the Pirates are offering. Tucker and Paulino are great, but they're far from sure things. Keller is going to be a top 100 prospect in 2017 whereas Hernandez won't even come close.
If the Astros were to swap out the A ball lottery ticket for Francis Martes, then it would become a realistic offer for the White Sox. If Lunhow offered Martes, Tucker, Paulino and Hernandez, it could be too good for Hahn to pass up.
Perhaps Houston realizes how close they are in the American League. The team has arguably the best offense in all of baseball, but their pitching rotation is mainly unproven. Quintana has been one of the most consistent pitchers in the league. Adding him to the Astros gives the team an improved rotation and potentially a World Series level team.
The offer Bilek is reporting will not get it done for the Astros. But if Lunhow decided to include Martes, there's a more than good chance that Quintana is traded to Houston.
New York Yankees
Yankees get: Jose Quintana
White Sox get: Clint Frazier, Jorge Mateo, Dillion Tate, Lottery Ticket
Before analyzing this trade it's important to note that the Yankees are no longer in the bidding for Quintana. Brian Cashman recently said that New York is unlikely to add to their 2017 roster. While Cashman could always have a change of heart, it seems improbable that Quintana ends up in the Bronx.
However at one point the Yankees did make an offer on Quintana, and were considered the favorites. Use this rumored trade proposal to think of what could've been had Rick Hahn pulled the trigger.
Bilek reported that while the Yankees were unwilling to trade Gleyber Torres, Cashman could've been swayed to include top prospect Clint Frazier. After asking for Blake Rutherford and Miguel Andujar, the Yankees countered by including fellow top prospect Jorge Mateo and lottery ticket Dillion Tate.
While Tate and the other "lottery ticket" prospect are uncertain, Frazier and Mateo would've been a massive haul for the White Sox. Both players are not only top 100 prospects, but top 20 prospects.
Frazier is the Yankees best prospect and the 15th best prospect in baseball according to MLB Pipeline. Frazier has appeared in 416 minor league games, hitting .275 with 50 home runs, 205 RBIs and 43 stolen bases.
Frazier is a future everyday MLB outfielder and a perennial All Star. He has a great combination of size/speed. With the White Sox he would've likely been the team's center fielder of the future and a fearsome addition to Chicago's future lineup.
Mateo is the Yankees second best prospect and the 18th best prospect in baseball. In Mateo's 323 minor league games, the prospect hit .270 with 18 homeruns, 122 RBIs and 182 stolen bases.
Clearly Mateo's speed stands out among his other tools. He would likely play second or third base with the White Sox while hitting towards the top of the lineup. A 1-2 punch of Mateo and Tim Anderson would lead to Chicago creating and scoring more runs, and having an overall improved offense.
Tate is the Yankees 11th best prospect. He has appeared in 30 minor league games and 91.1 innings. He holds a career 4-3 record with a 4.34 ERA and a 78/36 K/BB ratio.
The jury is still out on Tate, and he may very well end up being a lifetime reliever. However he would be an interesting piece and a prospect to watch in the Sox farm system.
The lottery ticket would function in the same way the Single A prospect did in the Astros trade. Hahn would hope to get lucky on a not so highly touted prospect.
Barring an unforeseen circumstance, this trade proposal will not come to light. If Cashman did offer this at one point, the Sox would be getting quite the haul. But at this point, Clint Frazier and Jorge Mateo on the White Sox is just a fan's pipe dream.
Atlanta Braves
Braves get: Jose Quintana
White Sox get: Ozzie Albies, Sean Newcomb, Austin Riley, Lottery Arm
Quintana to the Braves is a relatively new idea. Bilek notes that Atlanta's local media has been "beating the drum" for Quintana to the Braves. One of those Atlanta media members is MLB.com's Mark Bowman, who wrote that Atlanta could be a fit for the White Sox pitcher.
But with Quintana to Atlanta being so new, it's hard to tell if Bilek is reporting an actual rumor here or just spit balling. While it's unknown how serious this trade proposal is, the White Sox are receiving a massive haul with two top 100 prospects heading to the South Side in this potential deal.
Ozzie Albies is the Braves second best prospect and 12th best prospect in baseball according to MLB Pipeline. Albies has appeared in 293 minor league games, hitting .310 with seven homeruns, 109 RBIs and 81 stolen bases.
Albies would likely be the White Sox second baseman of the future. He could hit for over .300 while stealing 20+ bases a year. He would be an offensive weapon atop the lineup, creating multiple runs with his speed. Albies and Anderson would also form one of the better defensive double play duos in the MLB.
Sean Newcomb is the Braves third best prospect and the 47th best prospect in baseball. Newcomb has appeared in 60 minor league games and 290.1 innings, compiling a 17-11 record with a 3.29 ERA and a 338/153 K/BB ratio.
Newcomb has been compared to Jon Lester in the past. He has the potential to be a top-level starter in the major leagues. With the White Sox he would have the potential to be the team's second or third pitcher in Chicago's super rotation of the future.
Austin Riley is the Braves 15th best prospect. He has hit .281 with 32 home runs, 120 RBIs and five stolen bases.
Riley is just 19 years old and would need more time in the minor leagues. But he has great power potential and could be the team's third baseman of the future. Riley actually entered the 2015 MLB Draft as a pitcher, so hitting at the MLB level is new to him. As he gets more and more acclimated to MLB pitching, we can see Riley rise up the prospect rankings.
While Bilek lists "Lottery Arm" in the initial trade proposal, the reporter names Alex Jackson, Travis Demetitte and Luiz Gohara as potential targets for the Sox in this deal.
The Braves acquired Jackson from the Mariners earlier in the offseason. He is currently the team's 14th best prospect. Jackson has hit .233 with 21 homeruns, 109 RBIs and five stolen bases.
According to Bilek, Jackson is a favorite of White Sox VP Kenny Williams. If he got his way, Jackson could be the fourth piece in this potential deal. Jackson's minor league stats are weak, but he is a former top prospect who could conceivable turn his career around with a change of scenery.
Demeritte is the Braves ninth best prospect. In 333 career minor league games, Demeritte hit .244 with 62 homeruns, 175 RBIs and 38 stolen bases.
Demeritte has had off-the-field problems in the past, making him a questionable fit in this trade. However he offers much more power than the average second baseman. With more seasoning in the minors he could turn into a potential everyday infielder for the White Sox.
Gohara was recently acquired from the Mariners in the Mallex Smith trade. He is currently the team's 12th best prospect. Gohara has appeared in 48 minor league games and 204.1 innings, holding a 12-19 record with a 4.40 ERA and a 228/96 K/BB ratio.
Gohara needs more time in the minor leagues to hone his craft, but he has a fairly high ceiling. Assuming he reaches his full potential, Gohara could be a front-line starting pitcher for the White Sox. However, how much time he needs in the minors is yet to be seen.
The Braves make for an interesting landing spot as they don't seem like much of a playoff team in 2017. However they have the prospect pool to get a deal done. If they offer a deal similar to this, there's a chance Jose Quintana could get traded to Atlanta prior to the 2017 MLB season.
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