Chicago Cubs Acquire Jose Quintana: Fantasy impact

The Cubs came out of nowhere and won the Jose Quintana sweepstakes. How will Quintana fair pitching in the National League in the second half?

The Chicago Cubs are making moves to go back to the playoffs and World Series. One year after acquiring Aroldis Chapman, the Cubs add a starting pitcher to their rotation. Jose Quintana will be going a bit north for the second half of this season and beyond.

Quintana is in a down year but could the move to the National League improve his fantasy value?

In 18 starts in the first half, Quintana has a 4.49 ERA, 1.323 WHIP and 4-8 record. The latter stat is partially his fault and partially the offense’s fault. He does have a 9.4 K/9 and 3.5, both the highest of his career. Quintana has nine quality starts in his first-half starts.

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After a poor first couple of months, Quintana has settled down. Over his last 40.0 innings, he has a 2.70 ERA, 45:16 K:BB ratio and a 1.20 WHIP. He lowered his ERA over a full run in that span.

He doesn’t have much experience against the NL this season, just three starts. In those games, though, he has a 7.56 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 22:6 K:BB ratio and 0-1 record.

Quintana faced the San Diego Padres, Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies, the latter two were on the road. Not good matchups.

Luckily for Quintana, some of his new division opponents aren’t hitting that great. While the Brewers and Cardinals are in the top-10 in batting average in July, the Pirates and Reds are in the bottom half.

Looking ahead, the White Sox have almost a full roster worth of prospects waiting to make their debut. Along with Yoan Moncada (from the Red Sox), Michael Kopech, and Lucas Giolito (from the Nationals), the White Sox received No. 8 prospect, outfielder Eloy Jimenez among others.

If you are starting a dynasty league or looking for young talent to add for the future, look at the White Sox minor league system. But for now, they continue to be sellers. I wouldn’t be surprised if Todd Frazier or David Robertson is the next to go.

Next: Does Yonder Alonso's value go up with a trade?

As for Quintana on the Cubs, I think this is a great move for his fantasy value. He’s pitched well recently and facing pitchers instead of DHs twice a game always helps. The Cubs needed to make a move as only one of their starters has an ERA under 4.00.With this offense,

With this offense, Quintana could reach double-digit wins and continue the string of quality starts.

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