MLB trade rumors: One player each team should target

PITTSBURGH, PA - JUNE 27: Andrew McCutchen #22 of the Pittsburgh Pirates catches a ball hit by Wilson Ramos #40 of the Tampa Bay Rays (not pictured) during the sixth inning at PNC Park on June 27, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

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CHICAGO, IL – JULY 02: Jose Quintana #62 of the Chicago White Sox pitches against the Texas Rangers during the third inning at Guaranteed Rate Field on July 2, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images) /

Houston Astros: Jose Quintana

Jose Quintana’s trade value has taken a hit over the first three months of the MLB season as he struggles with command and the home run. The left-hander has the worst ERA, FIP, BB/9, HR/9, and WHIP of his career. Fastball location is what has hampered the 28-year-old All-Star.

Quintana is still dominating with his fourseam fastball and curveball, holding opponents to batting averages below .200 on the pitches. His issue has come with the sinker, a pitch that will be hit harder if its movement or location is even off slightly. The movement still seems to be holding fine based on the available data, but he has been in the middle of the plate too much.

The Astros may feel pressure to make a big offer for Gerrit Cole, but their needs can be served with Quintana, who is a tick below Cole in terms of trade value this year. He has a great track record and is under contract for three more years. Quintana may be at his best when allowed to pitch in the middle of the rotation, not at the top. Calling him an ace is an unfair label when he is just fine as a number-two starter. With Dallas Keuchel and Lance McCullers at the top of the rotation, the Astros can take the pressure off Quintana and give him the opportunity to get back on track.

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