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Though the White Sox have yet to trade lefty starter Jose Quintana, the club is “engaged in daily trade discussions,” with the Astros and Pirates remaining in the mix, according to FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal.
Rosenthal adds Chicago is “firm on Quintana’s value” and as a result might be open to moving him in advance of the non-waiver trade deadline this summer instead of this winter.
The White Sox are reportedly open to moving veterans on their roster, but Quintana has been the piece drawing the most interest this offseason after the Red Sox landed Chris Sale. Over 208.0 innings last season, he posted a 3.20 ERA and 3.56 FIP. Quintana has pitched at least 200 innings in all but one of his five major league seasons.
Quintana is eligible for free agency in 2019 but is a valuable piece because his current contract includes team options for 2019 and 2020.
The Astros could use a front-end starter such as Quintana, but as of the Winter Meetings, the White Sox sought righty Joe Musgrove and the club’s top two prospects, according to Insider Peter Gammons. Chicago likely requested a similar package from the Pirates.
If the White Sox are able to move Quintana, they will sign a veteran starter to a one-year deal to take Quintana’s rotation spot, according to Rosenthal. However, Chicago has yet to find an offer it’s fond of and as a result could keep Quintana to begin the season.