Chicago Cubs rumors: Five under-the-radar targets for MLB trade deadline

6 of 6

CHICAGO, IL – JUNE 27: Starting pitcher Jose Quintana #62 of the Chicago White Sox delivers the ball against the New York Yankees at Guaranteed Rate Field on June 27, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

1. Jose Quintana, SP, Chicago White Sox

The Chicago Cubs would love nothing more than to add a long-term, cost controlled starting pitcher to the mix. If they can find a starter who can help them in 2017 and beyond, I imagine that Theo Epstein and company will be willing to pay up.

You see, the Cubs not only have a hold in their rotation right now, they will likely lose Jake Arrieta and John Lackey next offseason. Realistically, Jon Lester and Kyle Hendricks are the only starting pitchers who the Cubs know they can count on beyond 2017. Heck, they might be the only ones they can count on right now.

While Verlander and Sonny Gray would also make plenty of sense, one option that is not being discussed enough is Jose Quintana. The Cubs and their cross-town rival Chicago White Sox do not commonly make any trades, but White Sox general manager Rick Hahn is too smart not to make a deal with the Cubs if they make the best offer.

Quintana has been incredibly consistent for the White Sox over the years but has not had a great 2017 season. Through 17 starts, Quintana has a 4.45 ERA. His 4.07 FIP suggests that he has been better than his ERA shows but not by a significant margin.

Quintana has had a bit of an increased walk rate this season (9% in 2017, compared to a career average of 6.5% according to FanGraphs), but the rest of his numbers check out pretty well. He has also pitched much better of late, posting a 2.34 ERA since the start of June. With Quintana’s numbers not showing any major concerns and him looking better recently, I think we should expect a strong second half from the White Sox ace.

That being said, the rebuilding White Sox have seemed adamant on trading Quintana this season. His value is probably a bit lower than what is was prior to the season, but with three years of cheap control after 2017, the White Sox will not give him away for free.

Next: Trade deadline wishlist for Cubs

I see why others also make sense, but Jose Quintana is the perfect trade target for the Chicago Cubs before the July 31st trade deadline. Trading with the White Sox is not easy, but if they offer a fair package, I imagine Hahn will be willing to work with them.

With his ability to help fill a major need in 2017 and for three years after, the Cubs should be all over Quintana.

Home/Chicago Cubs