Astros Rumors: Are the Stros now favorites for Jose Quintana?

Do the Astros really want Jose Quintana, reports say that they do.

Welcome to another day of drama on the Jeff Luhnow reality show titled, How to Acquire Jose Quintana. While you don’t always see Luhnow on the set talking Astros, he is always lingering around the Quintana discussions. Just when someone tries to steal Quintana, Luhnow comes in and tries to renegotiate.

This is the second edition of Luhnow’s reality show, after the All for EE edition. Just when you thought Edwin Encarnacion was out of the picture, his name kept coming up linked to the Stros. This appears to be the same now with all the Quintana rumors.

Just when we thought Luhnow had rolled up his sleeves while exclaiming, “I said good day sir” to Rick Hahn, the rumors return. Why does Luhnow keep returning to a GM who is trying to rob him blind in a deal? Because Quintana could be the final piece in the puzzle to Houston reaching the World Series in 2017.

Are the Astros serious about acquiring a starting pitcher?

By now, we know the value that Quintana offers the Astros for the next four years. If they don’t acquire him now, they will before the trade deadline. He is a left-handed power pitcher that would complement Dallas Keuchel‘s finesse pitching well. He is under team control for at least two years, with two more additional option years for a reasonable amount.

Mark my words, the cost for Quintana will not be cheap. It was reported by Peter Gammons after the winter meetings that the White Sox wanted three players. They were Francis Martes, Kyle Tucker, and Joseph Musgrove. The Stros said no. If possible, they would like to hang onto Musgrove and Alex Bregman.

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If those two names are not included, the Stros will have to give up a haul for Quintana. Gammons reported that the Rays turned down a large haul for Chris Archer. While we don’t know all the pieces involves, I can guess that Martes, Tucker, and David Paulino may have been part of the deal. If those three names were involved, the Rays made a statement that Archer is not going anywhere. Moving on from Archer, they can now focus on the best available pitcher, Quintana.

Astros the most serious suitors?

That is exactly what Jon Morosi reported today via Twitter. “Jose Quintana trade talks continue, sources say, with Astros among the most serious suitors.” Recent reports have favored the Pirates with the Yankees still interested, but not likely to pull off trade. The Astros have always been hanging around, waiting for their chance.

If the Astros are favorites at this point, look for them to get a deal done. All the predictions have Quintana landing in Houston, and I think Luhnow is trying to get the job done.

Next: Astros: Offseason Thoughts on Pitching Staff Acquisitions

The rotation is good but could be great if they acquire Quintana. If the Astros have a 4-5 year window to win, Quintana would be part of it for four years. If the large proposal for Archer means anything, it’s a signal to their willingness to let prospects go. Even with a trade, Houston will still have prospects in the pipeline. Morosi says there is momentum for a deal, will Luhnow finally get his target?

***Stats from Baseball-Reference***