Jose Quintana has been one of the most coveted trade candidates on the market this offseason. Any team in need of front-line starting pitching could afford Quintana's modest $7 million salary in 2017. That same team would have control of the ace through 2020.
Through five MLB seasons, Quintana has appeared in 154 games and 951 innings; all with the White Sox. He holds a career 46-46 record with a 3.41 ERA and a 781/244 K/BB ratio. Quintana was voted to his first All Star Game in 2016.
The White Sox ace has been one of the most consistent pitchers in the major leagues. He has thrown atleast 200 innings, holding a sub 3.60 ERA the past four seasons.
Any team acquiring Quintana is getting one of the best pitchers in the MLB at a discounted rate. He immediately improves any pitching staff and adds a consistent options towards the top of their rotation. Any team planning on contending could use a pitcher like Quintana for their future playoff push.
For a while it seemed as if Quintana's future trade destination would be the Houston Astros, Pittsburgh Pirates or New York Yankees.
However recently, Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman said the team was likely done adding to their 2017 roster. That statement essentially took the Yankees out of the Quintana hunt.
The Astros and Pirates both seemed like logical landing spots for Quintana. Both Houston and Pittsburgh are in need of front-line starting pitching, and both have the farm system to get a deal done.
While it seems like it would be a two horse race for Quintana's services, a new report states that a former favorite has dropped out of the pursuit.
In a recent interview during the Astros fan fest, Houston's General Manager Jeff Luhnow said that team is likely done making big league acquisitions this winter.
Luhnow said:
"(The roster is) probably the roster that we’re going to have to start the season. We’re always open to considering ways to improve it, but right now I’d set the expectations low that there’s going to be any major changes.”
Luhnnow did leave open the possibility that the team could trade for Quintana during the season. Realistically, if the Astros are in the middle of a playoff race, they may be more likely to make a move for a top-flight pitcher.
The Astros and White Sox were reportedly close in talks at times. Houston's reluctance to include top prospect Francis Martes is likely what led to the team's not matching up on a deal.
All eyes will now shift to the Pittsburgh Pirates, who should undoubtedly be considered the favorites in the Quintana sweepstakes. The team currently has two players inside the top 20 prospects in baseball and five total inside the top 100. The Pirates have more than enough ammunition to get a deal done.
It seems more and more likely that Quintana will enter the season with the White Sox. Spring Training and injuries could change things, but Rick Hahn has likely received the best offers he is going to get.
It might be smart to hold on to Quintana and move him at the Trade Deadline to capitalize on team's impending playoff runs. If they employ this strategy there's a chance the Astros hop back in discussions.
As for now it appears as if it'll be the Pirates or bust on a Jose Quintana trade. However as each day passes, it seems as if the White Sox ace could enter the 2017 season on the South Side.
Feel free to continue the conversation on Twitter: @DFappiano14
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