GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Trying to decipher potential Jose Quintana trade destinations from this week's latest batch of rumors really isn't that difficult, even with Quintana throwing 5 2/3 perfect innings against the Reds on Thursday in front of 17 scouts during a 4-2 White Sox victory at Camelback Ranch.
In fact, White Sox general manager Rick Hahn summed up the matter in a conversation with MLB.com, although he wasn't speaking directly about Quintana, who allowed two hits over seven scoreless innings Thursday.
"We've had conversations even this spring where if our asks were met, we'd make a move," Hahn said. "Obviously nothing has developed as of yet.
"But that could well change early in the season or it could take to the Trade Deadline or into the next offseason. We would love to move this thing along based strictly on our desire, but it's too important we do it right than to force the issue based on impatience. We don't have specific time frames on any of these things."

So if you are the Astros, Pirates, Yankees, Braves, Phillies or every other team that could have interest in one of the game's top starting pitchers, be prepared to pay prospect-wise. And if you are a team not willing to give up a couple of elite level young players in a package of potentially three or four, then don't expect to have a chance at acquiring the All-Star southpaw, who dazzled in his 2017 World Baseball Classic start covering 5 2/3 innings of no-hit pitching for Colombia against Team USA.
Hahn certainly won't budge from an understandably lofty asking price. Quintana is under control for the next four years at around $36 million when factoring in two team options. He easily could be part of the team's rebuild moving forward but also would bring back the biggest haul in return.
It's a tough decision to trade a player revered throughout the organization, much like it was a tough decision to move Chris Sale or Adam Eaton. Without going into specific detail, the White Sox know who they want in each instance and have seen those players countless times.
Quintana should take the mound April 3 against the Tigers at Guaranteed Rate Field for his first career Opening Day start. His status leading up to the non-waiver Trade Deadline is not as certain, especially with the team not exactly focused on contention this season.

"I have confidence in me, and every time I go out there I just try to have fun and enjoy that time," Quintana said. "I spend good time with my teammates. Every time I go to the mound, I feel pretty good."
"We still want to see the team win," Hahn said. "But a lot of what the progress is there is a progress we probably will be able to see in terms of how the game is being played, and how players are being taught and held accountable for either meeting or not meeting standards that the organization sets for them."