Chris Sale was never going to come cheap, and the Chicago Cubs definitely learned that lesson.
The Cubs traded four prospects to the Chicago White Sox for starting pitcher Jose Quintana on Thursday, giving the struggling team a serious boost to its rotation. But when the Northside team tried to get the White Sox to send Sale across town in the offseason, they were told it would take major league talent.
The Boston Red Sox were able to get Sale for four prospects, but it involved two of the best ones in baseball in infielder Yoan Moncada and pitcher Michael Kopech. The trade certainly has paid off for the Red Sox, though, as Sale is second in the American League in ERA (2.75) and first in the AL in WHIP (0.90) and opponent batting average (.200). The lefty also leads Major League Baseball with 178 strikeouts.
Quintana isn’t having his best season, as he’s 4-8 with a 4.49 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and .246 opponent batting average over 18 starts. The left-hander still has a good track record, however, and will be an upgrade to the Cubs’ rotation, which has a 4.66 ERA.
Thumbnail photo via Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports Images
