Chicago Cubs Rumors: There should be no interest in the White Sox Quintana

It seems that in this slow news time, many are trying to link the Chicago Cubs with just about everyone. Some are true, like the interest in Tyson Ross. One that is not? Jose Quintana of the White Sox.

It’s crazy to say this. But the person who brought this “potential trade” up to me between the Chicago Cubs and the White Sox was my father. He’s near 80, with no internet. If there’s a sports show that focuses on the Cubs, he watches it. But when he mentioned this to me I thought “have I missed something?” Truth is, I did not. It’s the final week of December and some of us are dying to find something to write. This, however, isn’t a legitimate rumor.

Here’s why rumors like this drive me INSANE. When these top flight players get some press as trade candidates, the Cubs are immediately in the conversation. Why? Because of what Theo Epstein and the Cubs have to offer. This is even truer when it’s for pitching. The White Sox can and should ask for the world for Jose Quintana. And the Cubs could indeed offer it. But they shouldn’t…and won’t.

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Quintana is at 46-46 in his young career, but that’s a byproduct of where he’s pitched. Anywhere else and he may have been a 20 game winner. He’s thrown 200 innings or more over the last four seasons. And his ERA is solid 3.41 for his career. I’m not opposed to a team going after Quintana, except for the Cubs.

Ross a better fit for Cubs

Tyson Ross, on the other hand? It’s worth the gamble. Mainly because it’s not going to cost prospects. There is potential that the thoracic outlet surgery he had could keep him from reaching the potential he once had. Very few have ever come back from the surgery–at least a very select few. But if he does falter, it’s just money lost. And I get it, it’s a lot of money. But for one year, the Cubs could take a chance on Ross and see where it leads. It isn’t any worse than the Edwin Jackson or Jose Veras debacles.

With the Cubs bullpen improved on paper–but still a question mark–leaving Mike Montgomery out there would serve the pen well. While he could be a serviceable–if not solid No. 5–he was one of the few relievers that Joe Maddon had faith in down the stretch. Signing Ross would allow them to leave him in the bullpen and solidify that group.

Next: Cubs proved depth could overcome injuries

All of the sideshow “they won’t trade with the Cubs”, then they will is irrelevant. Quintana will be a solid addition to someone’s rotation. But whoever it is will pay handsomely for him. Maybe not as much as the Red Sox did to acquire Chris Sale–but it would be a close second. The Cubs would be smart to stay out of this conversation and focus on other potential names that won’t break the system of their depth.