MLB rumors: 3 Cardinals pitching targets not named Frankie Montas

Jose Quintana, Pittsburgh Pirates

After eight games started, Quintana, a lefty, has a record of 1-2 in 40.2 innings pitched. Over his 11-season career, he’s pitched 1,598.2 innings.

“So far, Quintana looks like one of the biggest bargains of the offseason,” Murray reports, “The 33-year-old was signed to a one-year, $2 million contract and has produced a 2.43 ERA in eight starts. He has significantly cut down on home runs allowed — 0.4 per nine innings – and has slashed his walk rate from 5.6 to 3.3 this season.”

Also of note, about 45.4% of his pitches induce ground balls. This is an important metric the Cardinals consider in the pitchers. With a Gold Glove defense consisting of Paul Goldschmidt, Tommy Edman, Nolan Arenado, Harrison Bader, and Tyler O’Neill, it’s understandable.

Quintana relies on a four-seam fastball, a changeup, a curveball, and a sinker. The fastball is his most used pitch and averages 90.5 mph with an 82% active spin.