The New York Yankees could be buyers at the MLB Trade Deadline and if they are, they'll likely target starting pitching help. The top target is Jose Quintana of the Chicago White Sox, who was once in the Yankees' farm system. But the asking price for Quintana is higher than many would expect.
"Executives on interested teams suggest the ChiSox have sought two very top prospects in bigger packages for Quintana, who’s heated up in recent weeks," Jon Heyman of FanRagSports writes. "People connected to the White Sox insist the price tag is lower than it was for ace Chris Sale, but to this point, according to rivals, it is anything but low. The White Sox are believed to have sought from the Astros top pitching prospect Francis Martes and outfielder Kyle Tucker, while they are thought to have mentioned in Yankees talks top infield prospect Gleyber Torres or top outfielder prospect Clint Frazier as the headliner in a package of prospects."
That's right: the White Sox want either Torres or Frazier and than more prospects on top of that. In a week's worth of MLB action, Frazier already has three homers, including a walk-off. Torres' value is limited as he recovers from Tommy John surgery, but he's still among the top prospects in baseball.
Quintana is perhaps the best starting pitcher actually available in a limited starting pitching market. He's 4-8 this year with a 4.49 ERA and a 1.323 WHIP, but his career figures are much better than that. He has a career 50-54 record, 3.51 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP.
The White Sox are rebuilding, but they don't have to deal Quintana. He has three years left on his deal, thanks to options. That length of team control also increases his value.
Still, the asking price for Quintana seems far too high, even in a seller's market. Then again, the White Sox did get larger-than-expected returns for players like OF Adam Eaton. But asking for Torres or Frazier seems too much, especially if the White Sox are willing to lower their asking price.
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