Pittsburgh Pirates: Four Prospects to Target for José Quintana

Toronto Blue Jays – LHP Ricky Tiedemann

The Pittsburgh Pirates should put a big ask on Quintana, and deservedly so. A proven lefty starter who has a low-3.00 ERA and FIP this season, has been consistent all season, and one of the few healthy and quality arms on the market should come at a hefty price, even if he is a rental.

The Toronto Blue Jays have already shown interest in Quintana. Two of their starters, Hyun-Jin Ryu and Yusei Kikuchi, struggled this year and are on the injured list. Kevin Gausman, Ross Stripling, and Alek Manoah have been quality arms for them this year, but they could use at least one more pitcher. Should the Jays come calling again, the Pirates should look into lefty Ricky Tiedemann.

Saying that Tiedemann has been dominant this year would be a massive understatement. He’s absolutely mowed down batters like they’re nothing. In 63 innings split between A-ball and High-A, Tiedman has a 1.71 ERA, 1.87 FIP, and 0.81 WHIP. Tiedmann has given up just a single home run and has struck out 40% of batters faced this season. His 8.8% walk rate is the worst number on his record this season, but that’s still relatively solid.

Tiedemann hasn’t given up a home run since being promoted to the Jays’ High-A affiliate, which has been 33 straight innings. He’s also whittled down his walk rate to 6.2%. He’s been so great at preventing home runs because of his healthy 46.2% ground ball rate.

Tiedemann is only 19, but he’s already pushing for a promotion to Double-A well over a month before his 20th birthday. He has three pitches that project as above average with a fastball, slider, and change-up. There’s a decent chance he has three 60-grade offerings.

Again, is this a big ask? Absolutely. But the Pittsburgh Pirates rightfully should have a big price tag on Quintana. They have a decent corner on the market and arguably the second-best pitcher available in trade talks. They should be getting back a good prospect for Quintana.