Rangers trade rumors: Texas discussed Jose Quintana deal at deadline

The Rangers and White Sox discussed a trade involving Jose Quintana in advance of the non-waiver trade deadline, according to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick, and the clubs could revisit trade talks as Texas seeks starting pitching depth this offseason.

Talks stalled when the White Sox sought Jurickson Profar and “a lot more” in a deal for Quintana, according to Crasnick.

The front-end of Texas’ starting rotation is seemingly complete, with Cole Hamels and Yu Darvish serving as the club’s first and second starting options. However, beyond Martin Perez and Andrew Cashner, who struggled last season, the Rangers don’t have many internal starting candidates.

Quintana, 27, would likely prove to be a valuable upgrade for the Rangers, who still seem unlikely to part with Profar in a potential trade for starting pitching help. Quintana pitched to a 3.20 ERA and 3.56 FIP over 208.0 innings with Chicago last season.

There aren’t many established free agent starting pitching options available, and the club is reportedly still interested in free agent infielder Edwin Encarnacion. As a result, any starter added via a trade will likely have to be affordable and controllable for at least a few seasons.