Cubs’ and the three reasons they need to keep Jose Quintana

Chicago Cubs: “Q” is a suitable replacement amid Chatwood uncertainty

Tyler Chatwood had been a big bright spot for the Cubs in the early going.

Chatwood opened the year with wins against the Brewers and Pittsburgh Pirates, respectively, allowing just one run and striking out 19 in 12 2/3 innings of work.

But the right-hander suffered a clunker in his third start against the Kansas City Royals, and now his status is uncertain.

Chatwood’s timetable for return is unknown after he was sent to see a back specialist, opening up a hole in Chicago’s rotation. Naturally, the veteran Quintana–who himself is on the verge of returning from injury–figures to take Chatwood’s spot.

Only, there is a real chance he might need to stay in the rotation long-term.

Perhaps Chatwood’s back ailment is nothing but a blip on the radar. Alternatively, back issues are often among the most burdensome in sports, and the Cubs may have to assess his status on a week-to-week basis.

Either way, Quintana’s presence in the rotation would give David Ross some more confidence in the event Chatwood is still hurting after his IL stint.

Chicago Cubs: Left-handed help needed in the bullpen

As nice as it is for Quintana to be a starting insurance policy, the Cubs probably need him even more in the bullpen.

Chicago lacks in quality left-handed arms. Kyle Ryan has continued to struggle, and Brad Wieck was transferred to the 45-day IL on Tuesday.

Quintana has not made too many appearances out of the bullpen. It could very well take some getting used to as more of a regular role.

Nevertheless, they could use his stoicism and change of pace in the middle innings. Not to mention, Quintana might thrive in an environment where he does not need to go through the lineup multiple times over.

Granted, the Cubs are running a five-man rotation. Quintana is undoubtedly needed as a starter if Chatwood cannot get healthy.

But Quintana could still be a bullpen guy down the road, especially if the Cubs turn to a four-man rotation in October.

Chicago Cubs: Building trust heading into the offseason

As previously mentioned, it seems unlikely the Cubs will re-sign Quintana. Or at least, it seemed that way before the COVID-19 outbreak.

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Quintana will be 32 in January, but he might well have commanded a multi-year deal at a decent annual average had the game’s economics not been shaken by the pandemic, particularly given the market for starting pitchers in the last few years.

Instead, the Cubs could find themselves faced with an opportunity. If Quintana cannot find a team willing to offer him a long-term deal, he might opt for a relatively cheap, one-year pact to return to Chicago.

Yes, Quintana’s tenure with the team has been underwhelming, especially considering how much they gave up for him back in 2017.

However, if he is willing to take a one-year deal, there is little downside to bringing Quintana back into the fold for one more spin.

Quintana can still help the team win this year and, if they play their cards right, he might be able to help them again in 2021.