Should the Chicago Cubs pick up the Jose Quintana team option?

Chicago Cubs: The case against picking up the option

Since posting five straight seasons with an ERA under 4.00 from 2012 to 2016, including a career-best 3.20 in 2016, Quintana’s ERA has been over that mark in three consecutive seasons, including this year’s 4.55.

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He’s gotten worse in September, turning in four less-than-stellar outings, to say the least. According to FanGraphs, Quintana’s average fastball and sinker velocity have dipped for three straight years, which is not unexpected, yet it indicates that he hasn’t been able to adapt as he gets older.

Given how this season has gone, there will be demand for big changes on the roster this offseason. Regarding the rotation, aside from maybe Quintana, only Cole Hamels figures to be gone next year, so letting Quintana go might provide the best opportunity to shake up the roster.

It could provide an opportunity for someone unexpected to jump from the minors into the back end of the starting rotation, or it could provide both a roster spot and some money for the Cubs to go after a free agent such at Gerrit Cole or Madison Bumgarner.

After examining both sides, it’s my opinion that the Cubs should decline Quintana’s option. I just feel like he’s past his prime and that the team would be better off investing that money in another starting pitcher. Yet if I had to predict, I would say that the team will pick up the option because I believe they will put value in his still relatively cheap contract. Whatever happens, it will be one of the Cubs’ most important early offseason decisions.