MLB trade rumors: Yankees, White Sox, Blue Jays battle for Quintana?

Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher José Quintana is in the middle of several MLB trade rumors as the August 2 MLB trade deadline approaches. Based on the latest of those rumors, it appears that a landing spot for him may be with a team battling for a spot on the American League side of the postseason.

MLB trade rumors: Jose Quintana drawing interest from New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox, but could also be fit with Toronto Blue Jays

According to FanSided’s Robert Murray, Quintana is “drawing interest” from the New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox, among others. A reunion with the White Sox would certainly make sense for the 33-year-old southpaw as appeared in 172 games (starting 169) for the team between 2012 and 2017 before trading to the Chicago Cubs.

However, the White Sox had the lowest-ranked farm system in MLB entering the season, making any trade involving prospects a dicey one for the Southsiders.

The Yankees are in team who could use rotation depth, especially with the recent injury to Luis Severino, and Quintana could be just what is needed in the Bronx.

This season, Quintana has started 19 games for the Pittsburgh Pirates, posting a 3.70 ERA/3.27 FIP/1.284 WHIP. He signed a one-year, $2 million deal this season with the Pirates, so he will come at an affordable price and could fetch an interesting return for Pittsburgh from any team in need of starting pitching.

That team could well include the Toronto Blue Jays, a team Murray mentions as a potential fit. Murray points out the struggles currently being endured by Yusei Kikuchi, currently with a 5.12 ERA/5.82 FIP/1.569 WHIP, and wonders if Toronto would trade for Quintana as an insurance policy if Kikuchi can not get back on track.

In that scenario, should Kikuchi find his form, Quintana could come out of the bullpen as he did last season for the Los Angeles Angels and San Francisco Giants.

Will an American League team make a deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates for Jose Quintana? Heading into the final days before the MLB trade deadline, it certainly sounds like a real possibility.