Acquired in a mid-season trade in 2017, Jose Quintana has been a solid, if not spectacular addition, to the Chicago Cubs rotation. Some doubt the value of the deal. So first, let’s take a look at where the rotation stood after 2016.
The need for pitching
Jason Hammel who had put up good numbers in 2015 and 2016 was headed into free agency and at 33 would not return to the Cubs. And John Lackey, 38, was in the final year of a two-year deal.
Heading into 2017 the rotation was Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta, Kyle Hendricks, and Lackey.