Chicago Cubs: Looking at trade partners for Jose Quintana

Chicago Cubs: Tomahawk Chop for Quintana?

The Atlanta Braves are another team in high demand for starting pitching after they declined Julio Teheran‘s option and will have to navigate Dallas Keuchel‘s free agency.

Atlanta’s ownership group–Liberty Media–are not the most keen spenders in free agency, which could make for a fruitful partnership with the Cubs. After all, the Braves possess a number of top-level prospects that the Cubs could pursue.

But would the Cubs risk trading Quintana to another National League contender? Granted, the Braves are not in the NL Central, but the question is relevant all the same.

Other NL teams–like the Padres–could make for good fits as well, but the Braves might be in the most pressing situation.

Regardless, there is sure to be a market for Quintana. There is a real shortage of quality starters on the market, and simultaneously a large number of teams that need help in the rotation.

The Cubs may have picked up Quintana’s option, but they could just as easily look to flip him. Anything and everything is on the table this winter – as I’m sure we’ll all learn.