Royals Rumors: Jose Quintana could be rotation target
Royals rumors are going to get hot and heavy this month and one name that has been linked to the Kansas City Royals already is White Sox pitcher Jose Quintana. The Royals could use another arm for their rotation.
Scott Merkin of MLB.com kicked off the Royals rumors, reporting that the club was in attendance at Jose Quintana‘s last start. Quintana has been a member of the Chicago White Sox ever since he’s been in the majors (dating back to 2012) and according to Merkin, is ignoring the trade rumors.
"“I don’t think about that right now. I’m focusing on doing my job,” said Quintana after throwing 66 of his 103 pitches for strikes. “The first half has ended for me now and I’m focused on the second half."
It should be no surprise that the KC Royals are interested in adding another arm to their rotation, as Nate Karns might not be returning to action this season. That leaves an open spot in the Royals rotation, one that is desperately needed to be filled if this team wants to contend for the postseason.
Quintana isn’t having as good of a season as usual with a 4.49 ERA and 4-8 record, but could be a nice piece for a team who can offer run support. Trading within the division is rare, which is why I don’t see Quintana landing with Kansas City, but the news is out there now and that’s interesting to say the least.
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Connor Byrne of MLB Trade Rumors noted that packaging prospects for Jose Quintana could be difficult for some teams (you’d have to imagine he’s referring to the Royals there) and that perhaps scouts were looking at other players. Other teams in attendance were the Angels, Blue Jays, Cardinals, Orioles, and Yankees, with only two of those teams really being in playoff contention at the moment.
There’s no doubt that Jose Quintana would make the Kansas City Royals better, but the bigger question is could the team could afford it? Their farm system is pretty weak right now and the White Sox are going to want a big haul for Quintana (who could blame them for that?). It might not be worth shipping off a ton of prospects for a pitcher with an above four ERA.
On the other hand, however, the Kansas City Royals are in the last year with this current group of guys and if Jose Quintana instantly makes them a World Series contender, then sure… Go for it!
What do you think of the latest slew of Royals rumors? Would you want to see the KC Royals trade for Jose Quintana? Who would you want to see them trade for?