Chicago Cubs: José Quintana acquired from White Sox in crosstown blockbuster

In a blockbuster deal, the Chicago Cubs acquired left-hander Jose Quintana from the White Sox in exchange for a star-studded package of prospects, including Eloy Jimenez and Dylan Cease.

The trade deadline madness is officially underway. The reigning World Series champion Chicago Cubs came out swinging, filling a major need and bolstering a sluggish starting rotation with this crosstown deal.

And, funny enough, it’s a deal that few ever thought could or would culminate. Sharing a major market, the White Sox and Cubs hadn’t made a deal with one another in over a decade.

While Quintana, a controllable, frontline starter heads to the North Side, the Chicago White Sox add an elite outfield prospect in Eloy Jimenez. Pitcher Dylan Cease and prospects Matt Rose and Bryant Flete head to the South Side, as well.

Chicago Cubs

Cubs get their guy

Quintana will slot in atop the top of the Cubs’ starting rotation with the veteran Jon Lester.

It’s a move that gives the Cubs what they need for 2017, but especially moving forward as it appears likely Jake Arrieta and John Lackey will depart via free agency after the season.

In 2017, Quintana is 4-8 with 4.49 ERA. He was 13-12 in 2016, making his first All-Star appearance. He is making $6 million in 2017 and will make $8.35 next season. His contract, more importantly, features affordable team options in both 2019 and 2020.

Cubs fans may feel reluctant losing Jimenez, who most recently starred in the Futures Game at the onset of the MLB All-Star Week. However, it’s the price that gets you a controllable pitcher that could be an ace for the Cubs.

Jimenez was in his first season with Class-A Myrtle Beach, hitting .271 with eight home runs, and 32 RBI. Cease was another prospect talked about for the Cubs. Currently, he is 1-2 with a 2.79 ERA for South Bend.

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At the end of the day, the Cubs net a young pitcher who makes an impact now, for prospects that might make an impact later.

It’s a solid move for the White Sox in acquiring budding talent for their rebuild. For the Cubs, it’s a no-brainer. With already a surplus of positional talent at the major league level, they can afford to dip into the pool and flip it for pitching.