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

The 2020 trade deadline is less than two weeks away, and the Cubs head into late-August with some decisions to make.

One thing is for sure: the Chicago Cubs figure to be buyers. The North Siders improved to 15-7 on the year after defeating the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday night, maintaining a four-game lead over the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central division.

The apparent suggestion is adding bullpen help. Chicago’s bullpen entered play on Tuesday, ranked 23rd in ERA, and there are still depth questions.

Simultaneously, the Cubs are desperately trying to maintain some semblance of a farm system, and probably do not want to get too crazy with young assets in a shortened season.

Might the Cubs then look to flip left-hander Jose Quintana–who is on an expiring contract–in exchange for a reliever? Or perhaps even a mid-level prospect?

Moving Quintana could be tempting. The team might not re-sign him in the offseason, and it would be far better to see potential value from a trade rather than merely allowing him to walk.

But Quintana still has plenty to offer the Cubs in this shortened season, and they should keep him beyond the deadline.

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.