Cubs pick up Jose Quintana’s option, decline Derek Holland’s

Starters Jose Quintana, Jon Lester, Yu Darvish and Kyle Hendricks are under contract next year for a total of $64.5 million.

By Gordon Wittenmyer

Pittsburgh Pirates v Chicago Cubs — Jose Quintana went 13-9 with a 4.68 ERA this past season.

The Cubs on Saturday exercised their $10.5 million contract option for 2020 on left-hander Jose Quintana, assuring themselves control of four of the five members of their 2019 starting rotation.

The Cubs also are expected to exercise their $16.5 million option for 2020 on first baseman Anthony Rizzo, with an announcement expected in the next day or so.

Quintana (13-9, 4.68 ERA) joins left-hander Jon Lester and right-handers Yu Darvish and Kyle Hendricks as starters under contract for next season (for a total of $64.5 million). Right-hander Tyler Chatwood ($13 million in 2020), who was signed as a starter before being demoted to the bullpen in 2018, also has one year left on his contract.

The Cubs also declined their $7 million option for 2020 on left-hander Derek Holland, paying him a $500,000 buyout instead.

Next Up In Chicago Cubs

Cubs move up Wednesday game time vs. Rays due to rain in forecast

What switch hitter Ian Happ’s right-handed rhythm means for the Cubs

Cubs’ Jed Hoyer, David Ross remember Jake Arrieta’s legacy after he announces retirement

Cubs’ Keegan Thompson plays ‘extremely valuable’ role in Cubs’ bullpen, win vs. Rays

Cubs Patrick Wisdom, Frank Schwindel face an uphill climb

Cubs’ Seiya Suzuki, turning heads to start MLB career, named NL Player of the Week

Cubs pick up Jose Quintana’s 2020 option, decline Derek Holland’s; Anthony Rizzo’s option up next

Starters Jose Quintana, Jon Lester, Yu Darvish and Kyle Hendricks are under contract next year for a total of $64.5 million.