The Chicago White Sox on Thursday traded Jose Quintana to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for haul of prospects, led by outfielder Eloy Jimenez. The White Sox also received pitcher Dylan Cease, and infielders Bryant Flete and Matt Rose.
Dating back to last December, this marks a third trade for the White Sox in which they received a bevy of prospects for a proven Major Leaguer. During the offseason they traded Chris Sale to the Boston Red Sox for Luis Alexander Basabe, Victor Diaz, Michael Kopech and Yoan Moncada.
That was followed by a deal that sent Adam Eaton to the Washington Nationals in exchange for Lucas Giolito, Dane Dunning and Reynaldo Lopez.
The Cubs have now made a significant trade prior to the non-waiver deadline for a second consecutive season. Last year, they sent Rashad Crawford, Billy McKinney, Gleyber Torres and Adam Warren to the New York Yankees for Aroldis Chapman.
Whereas Chapman was a rental, albeit one that contributed to the Cubs’ first World Series in 108 years, Quintana comes with multiple years of team control.
The 28-year-old is set to earn $8.4 million in 2018 and $10.5 million in both 2019 and 2020. The Cubs hold a $1 million buyout option for the final two seasons of Quintana’s contract.
The southpaw is 4-8 this season, with a 4.49 ERA, 4.01 FIP and 1.32 WHIP. He in some part has been victimized by a lack of run support. Quintana’s 9.4 strikeouts per nine innings and 24.6 percent strikeout rate would each set a career high.
The Los Angeles Dodgers were reported as having interest in Quintana, though their focus appears to be on acquiring a left-handed relief pitcher. The Dodgers were most recently linked to Baltimore Orioles closer Zach Britton, as well as Detroit Tigers closer Justin Wilson and San Diego Padres reliever Brad Hand.
