Chicago Cubs: Is the Jose Quintana era coming to a sudden close?

Chicago Cubs: There are several ways this situation can go, and hopefully, its best-case scenario.

The obvious best-case scenario for the Cubs and Quintana is that he comes back healthy in a few weeks, and he pitches well enough to help the team win in a season that happens all the way through. The uncertainty of the situation right now guarantees none of that, but it’s not impossible.

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If he gets healthy, there is a question as to which version of him he will pitch. In his up and down tenure as a Cub, he has had good stretches and poor stretches. If the Cubs are lucky enough to get him healthy and pitching well, then it can be one last chance for him to squeeze a little more value from him before he becomes a free agent.

There is always the scenario where Quintana does not throw another pitch as a Cub again. Whether it is because of his health or because the season is canceled or cut short due to the pandemic. It is also possible he returns and struggles mightily in a short time. That is what fans likely fear the most. Unless the absolute best-case scenario happens, the legacy of the trade is pretty much set in stone among Cubs followers.

While we do not know 100%, right now, with the Cubs trying to develop arms and get younger for the coming years, it seems likely they do not resign Quintana as a free agent unless they get an absolute bargain. We sure know it was not a bargain the first time.