Chicago Cubs: This starting rotation could be even better than in 2016

Chicago Cubs have a guy who flies under the radar in Jose Quintana

Somehow, people continue to under appreciate Jose Quintana.

But this is the year that all changes. One of baseball’s best starters over the last half-decade, the southpaw was a stellar addition to the Cubs at the deadline last season. On most teams, he’s a solid number two – maybe even your ace. Chicago just happens to have (at least) four high-level arms in the rotation.

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Following his trade from the White Sox to the Cubs, he posted a 3.25 FIP in 14 starts, including an absolutely lights-out, 12-strikeout debut. With a normal offseason under his belt and, soon, a full Spring Training with his new team, Quintana may settle into a groove we haven’t yet seen.

Chicago has a rotation built similar to its powerful offense. One guy doesn’t need to win 20 games – the same as Kris Bryant or Anthony Rizzo doesn’t need to blast 50 home runs – for this team to be very, very good.

If every guy simply holds his weight and does what he’s capable of, this is the deepest, most talented rotation in the league (at least where we currently stand).

At season’s end, I wouldn’t be surprised in the slightest if Jose Quintana was a Top 10 Cy Young finisher. Maybe I’m crazy, but I think we’ve seen what this guy is capable of and, now that he’s more comfortable, I expect big things.