Blue Jays: Three under the radar starting pitching trade options to consider

2. Jose Quintana

Jose Quintana’s resurgence at age 33 has been surprising after struggling the last couple of years with the Cubs, Angels, and Giants organizations.

However, with Quintana making just $2 million dollars this season and eligible for free agency after this season, the Pirates will deal him to a contender. I believe the Jays should inquire.

He has gone 2-5 with a 3.99 ERA in 18 starts. The two wins are not representative of how he’s pitched at all. Like Kelly, he’s done really well at keeping the ball in the park, as he’s allowed just 0.7 HR/9. It’s very important for pitchers who pitch in Toronto and the AL East to be able to do that.

Quintana has amassed a 3.32 FIP which suggests he’s gotten a tad unlucky this season and still has a very solid ERA. He also has a 106 ERA+, putting him above average.

The Blue Jays need starting pitching depth at this year’s trade deadline to round out what’s been a very inconsistent rotation.

Despite not having overpowering stuff, Quintana has done a great job limiting hard contact, as he’s in the 85th percentile in average exit velocity according to baseball savant. He’s also in the 80th percentile in chase rate. The southpaw began his career in the AL Central with the White Sox and pitched really well when he visited Rogers Centre. He has a 1.08 ERA in 33.1 innings pitched, winning all five starts he’s made north of the border.

Quintana has also made three career postseason starts for the Cubs. Two of them went well, and one of them did not. With the rest of the Jays having limited postseason experience, it’ll be nice to have a veteran who’s done it before.

The Jays don’t need another ace. They need a guy at the back end who can go five or six innings and give the team a chance to win. Quintana has done that this season.