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3 Theo Epstein mistakes that ruined Cubs’ chance at a dynasty

By Vincent Parise

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 28: Theo Epstein, president of baseball operations of the Chicago Cubs, looks on as David Ross, new manager of the Cubs talks to the media during a press conference at Wrigley Field on October 28, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 28: Theo Epstein, president of baseball operations of the Chicago Cubs, looks on as David Ross, new manager of the Cubs talks to the media during a press conference at Wrigley Field on October 28, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) /
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Chicago Cubs, Jose Quintana
(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

2. Trading for Jose Quintana

The Chicago Cubs should have never acquired Jose Quintana from the White Sox.

The Chicago Cubs made a huge mistake in 2017 that is really hurting them today. They acquired Jose Quintana from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for Eloy Jimenez, Dylan Cease, and two other prospects.

Now, Jimenez has been hurt for the better part of the last two seasons so far and that is not good. However, when he is out there, he is one of the best young power hitters in the game. He has a lot more to prove too which is the scary part. If he can get healthy and stay healthy, it will look even worse.

Dylan Cease, on the other hand, developed even better than the White Sox would have thought. He is legitimately one of the best pitchers in the American League now and has a shot at the Cy Young Award. The Cubs could have certainly used an arm like that right now for their rebuild.

Cease would be the ace of the staff and you never know how healthy Jimenez would have been if he had better trainers with the Cubs. If the White Sox can ever get him healthy long-term (he should be back soon),  they dominated this trade and it set the Cubs way back.

You understood the logic at the time as the Cubs were getting a decent cost-controlled pitcher but he wasn’t even that good for them. Justin Verlander said out loud that he wanted to come to Chicago and he went to win the World Series with Houston instead. Now Cease and Jimenez are on the White Sox while Quintana pitches for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

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