3 Significant Zach Eflin upgrades Phillies can make at trade deadline

Jun 15, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Luis Castillo (58) throws to the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning at Chase Field.Mlb Reds At Diamondbacks
Jun 15, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Luis Castillo (58) throws to the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning at Chase Field.Mlb Reds At Diamondbacks
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José Quintana
Jul 23, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Jose Quintana (62) throws a warm-up pitch against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Phillies should consider targeting José Quintana

José Quintana is a more realistic back-end-of-the-rotation pitcher the Phillies could go for.

Over 19 starts this season, he’s posted a 3.70 ERA, his best since his All-Star season in 2016. He’s worked as both a starting pitcher and reliever over his 11-year career, most of which was spent with both Chicago teams. He’s also got a smidge of postseason experience, starting three games and making one relief appearance for the Cubs in the 2017 NLDS and NLCS.

This would be the second consecutive year that Quintana switches teams at the deadline; the Los Angeles Angels dealt him to the San Francisco Giants last summer.

However, the Phillies might be wary of negotiating with their in-state rivals, who sniped them at last year’s deadline. They’ll also have competition from several other teams, including the New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox, with whom Quintana spend the first six years of his big-league career.

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