Rivals rarely help each other out, particularly rivals in the same city. Occasionally, however, a beneficial trade can happen. In 1992, the two Chicago teams worked a trade which sent Sammy Sosa to the Cubs. On July 13, 2017, the clubs announced a second blockbuster trade, this time involving Jose Quintana. Quintana moved from the Chicago White Sox to the Chicago Cubs to bolster the starting rotation. In return, the Cubs sent the White Sox minor league prospects Eloy Jimenez, Dylan Cease, Matt Rose and Bryant Flete.
#Cubs today acquired LHP José Quintana from the #WhiteSox for OF Eloy Jimenez, RHP Dylan Cease, and INFs Matt Rose and Bryant Flete. pic.twitter.com/R8E9u9anls
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 13, 2017
Cubs Acquire Jose Quintana
On it’s face, the trade looks good long-term for the Cubs. Quintana’s numbers speak for themselves. A career WHIP of 4.250, a HR/9 of 0.8, and a 2.4 BB/9 are solid numbers over 172 games. His current ERA of 4.49 is the highest of his career in 104.1 innings pitched. American League batters have taken him deep 14 times over 18 games, but his FIP is 4.01 for the season. He an immediate upgrade over Cubs starter John Lackey, who has surrendered 24 home runs, has a FIP of 5.66, and owns an ERA of 5.20 on the year. Also, unlike Lackey, Quintana can pick runners off at first. More importantly, he is also under club control for his contract through the 2020 season, meaning he is more than a highly-priced rental.
His fastball tops at 92 MPH and is his go to pitch, thrown it 66.9% of the time. He features both a 4-seam and a 2-seam. He also features a nasty 12-6 curve; he only throws that pitch 25% of the time, but it can buckle the best of them.
White Sox Gains
Eloy Jimenez
Jimenez is a highly-touted outfield prospect who, prior to the trade, was playing with the Carolina League’s Myrtle Beach Pelicans. In A+ ball this year, he owns a slash line of .351/.490/.841 and eight home runs. In 24 games in the field, he has committed one error in 49 chances.
Dylan Cease
Cease brings the heat; he can top 100 miles per hour, Cease owns a WHIP of 1.205 with the Single-A South Bend Cubs of the Midwest League. Through thirteen starts on the year, he only has three decisions, for a record of 1-2. His Single-A ERA is 2.79, and allows a minuscule 0.3 HR/9.
Matt Rose
Prior to the trade, Rose was plying his trade as a corner infielder for the Pelicans. Through 65 games, he slashed .241/.281/.481, with 14 home runs. He has also ground into three double plays. In 58 games at first, he has 465 put outs, 41 assists, and three errors, for a fielding percentage of 0.994. He played a mere two games at third base, and recorded two put-outs, one assist, and zero errors.
Bryant Flete
Flete played the middle infield for the Pelicans. Through 70 games, he slashed .305/.355/.425, with six home runs. He ground into two double plays. He has committed eight errors this year, in 240 chances. He’s turned 31 double plays through his 60 games as a fielder.
Trade Analysis
The Cubs obtained a quality pitcher with ace stuff to add to their rotation. The addition of Quintana should make the Cubs contenders to win the division this year, especially with Kyle Hendricks set to return from the disabled list soon. The White Sox obtained four solid prospects, who may shape the future of their club. However, prospects are just that, especially since they are all at the A+ or A level currently. In the short term, this is a good deal for the Northsiders. However, time will tell what the White Sox are able to do with the prospects they acquired.
Main Photo:
