Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Jose Quintana could become the next marquee player to leave the organization as the front office continues to shop assets following the trade of ace Chris Sale.
Continue for updates.
Nats, Astros Show Interest in Quintana
Wednesday, Dec. 7
Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported Wednesday the Washington Nationals and Houston Astros are both talking with the South Siders about a potential deal for the veteran left-hander.
Quintana has served as one of the most reliable starters in baseball over the past five years. He's posted a 3.41 ERA and 1.24 WHIP across 154 appearances (151 starts) over that span. He's also made at least 32 starts in four straight seasons and never finished with an ERA above 3.76 in any campaign.
The 27-year-old Colombia native is coming off perhaps his most complete season. He compiled a career-low 3.20 ERA, which ranked seventh in the American League, and a 1.16 WHIP while striking out 181 batters in 208 innings.
His success allowed him to earn his first All-Star Game selection in July. He talked about how much the honor meant to him before pitching a scoreless frame in the Midsummer Classic, per Bruce Levine of CBS Chicago.
"That is so great and important to know everyone knows me now," Quintana said. "I feel more responsible to my city and teammates and organization. I am so happy and hope to enjoy this moment and experience with my family."
Typically, players with his track record who are under team control for an additional four years aren't the focus of much trade talk. But Sale's departure signaled the start of a White Sox rebuild, and Quintana's value may never be higher given the lackluster group of starters available in free agency.
Daryl Van Schouwen of Chicago Sun-Times passed along comments from general manager Rick Hahn on Monday about the need for a clear direction. He referenced the successful retooling of the crosstown rival and reigning champion Chicago Cubs in the process.
"If you have a plan and you articulate it clearly [to fans]...Certainly in our city it's easy for them to see the fruits of those hardships on the other side of town. I think people would understand that," he said.
Quintana should command another impressive group of prospects, though it likely won't reach the return the White Sox received for Sale. But, if they decide to move him, the combined haul between the two trades would be enough to transform the farm system.
The Nationals and Astros are two teams that have been heavily linked to numerous big names since the offseason got underway. Both clubs are on the cusp on contention heading toward 2017 and adding the underrated lefty would provide a major boost to their playoff chances.
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com
- Login to post comments