Hot Stove Digest: Are the Rangers making a push for Jose Quintana?

Welcome to The Stew’s Hot Stove Digest, our daily rundown of MLB news, rumors and gossip for Hot Stove season. Here you’ll find a quick recap of all the day’s action and other fun stuff from around the internet that we think is worth your time.

HOTTEST RUMOR OF THE DAY: Texas Rangers general manager Jon Daniels has never been afraid to aggressively pursue a key player. Whether or not that’s true regarding Chicago White Sox left-hander Jose Quintana was a matter of conflict on Wednesday after a pair of contradictory reports.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports, Texas “suddenly increased their pursuit” of the White Sox hurler over the last 24 hours. However, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News was quick to note that two of his sources “downplayed the possibility of significant talks.”

Of course, there’s a difference between downplayed and dismissed, so all possibilities remain open here. If a trade were completed, it would give Texas a potentially frightening starting rotation with Yu Darvish, Cole Hamels and Tyson Ross already in the mix. Nightengale also warned though that it’s hardly a guarantee any talks would lead to a resolution. After landing big returns in trades for Chris Sale and Adam Eaton, the White Sox asking price is reportedly high. They’ve also shown remarkable patience when moving key players, so they’re not likely to budge here either until a satisfactory return is offered.

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With that in mind, pulling off a Quintana trade would further cement the Rangers intentions to go for it in 2017. They already possess one the best all-around rosters in baseball. Adding Quintana now could push them over the top. Beyond that though, Quintana could serve as a long-term replacement for Darvish, who is set to reach free agency following the 2017 season.

There are numerous factors involved, but it definitely makes sense for Texas to make a play. Now we wait to see where it leads, or if the little bit of smoke inspires others to step up their pursuits to match Chicago’s asking price. [@BNightengale]

PROSPECT PROJECT: When you’re the defending World Series champions and your organization is still loaded with prospects, you can afford to take on some projects. That’s what the Cubs are doing with right-hander Eddie Butler, a former Rockies top prospect whom they acquired on Wednesday.

Butler was the 46th overall pick in the 2012 draft. He moved through the Rockies system quickly, debuting on June 6, 2014, but has struggled in the big leagues, posting a 6.50 ERA in 36 games. Overall, that’s a pretty small sample. But the Rockies obviously felt he’d never completely adjust to life at Coors Field. Now the Cubs have a 25-year-old with a solid pedigree that they can perhaps mold into a major leaguer.

It’s a low-risk, high-reward move similar to many that have worked for Theo Esptein over his career. Now we’ll see if the Butler can do it too. [@Cubs]

DONE DEAL: The Rockies re-signed slugger Mark Reynolds on a minor-league deal. Reynolds served as Colorado’s regular first baseman in 2016, hitting .282/.356/.450 with 14 homers and 53 RBIs over 118 games. He figures to serve in a backup role this season behind Ian Desmond, assuming he makes the roster. His presence would also allow Desmond to move around the diamond should the need arise. [FanRag Sports]

BIG WIN: Arbitration hearings are under way and we already have a win for the players. Outfielder Khris Davis won his case against the A’s, meaning he’ll make $5M in 2017 rather than the $4.65M salary submitted by the team. [@JonHeyman]

BROTHERS ON BOARD: After signing free agent outfielder Colby Rasmus to a one-year deal, the Tampa Bay Rays have now added his younger brother, Cory Rasmus, on a minor-league deal. The younger Rasmus is a right-handed pitcher who has struggled to stick despite making appearances in five straight seasons. He’s posted a 4.17 ERA over 84 career games, but maybe he’ll finally earn his way alongside his brother. [@TBTimes_Rays]

MINOR SETBACK: Pirates first baseman Josh Bell underwent surgery to remove a “loose body” in his left knee. Bell will be sidelined 2-to-4 weeks, meaning he’ll miss the initial workouts at spring training. Bell will need about 2-4 weeks to recover. Bell is expected to be Pittsburgh’s primary option at first base against right-hander,s while David Freese plays against lefties. If his absence lingers into the season, John Jaso should see more time at first base as well. [@stephenjnesbitt]

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ICYMI: Wily Mo Pena is back and he’s hoping to mash his way on to the Cleveland Indians roster. [Big League Stew]

JOHNNY BE GOOD: The Orioles have agreed to a minor league deal with free agent second baseman Johnny Giavotella. The 29-year-old second baseman will earn $1.1 million plus incentives if he makes the big league roster. [@JonHeyman]

JUMP AROUND: Veteran Jose Reyes is likely to fill a super utility role with the Mets this season, and that’s perfectly fine with him. [Newsday]

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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!

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