Tampa Bay Rays v Chicago White Sox

Jose Quintana #62 of the Chicago White Sox pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at U.S. Cellular Field on September 29, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois.

(Jon Durr/Getty Images)

Opportunity could soon knock in Philadelphia.

As the Phillies get set for spring training, the time for blockbuster trades or big-ticket free-agent items would seem to be over. But smart organizations never turn down an opportunity to improve.

For the Phillies, a chance to add one of baseball's most underrated aces could emerge now or at some point over the next calendar year. With Chicago White Sox lefty Jose Quintana squarely on the trade block (and there since the offseason began), all eyes will be on when and where he lands in the near future. MLB insider Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe recently listed the Phillies as a possible destination for the 28-year-old.

White Sox GM Rick Hahn has held his ground on what he needs in return for Quintana in a deal. Hahn is under no pressure to trade the All-Star now and could hold on to him until the trade deadline, when teams feel more urgency to make a deal. But Hahn will move Quintana sooner if he gets a package similar to what he got for Chris Sale. Prospect-rich organizations such as the Astros, Braves, Dodgers, Rangers, Phillies, Yankees, and Brewers are possible destinations.

Despite the logical reasons (the team is still a few years away from competing, subtracting from the farm system now isn't prudent, Quintana could decline by the time the franchise is ready to compete) why now wouldn't be the time for the Phillies to make a move like this, general manager Matt Klentak has a solid enough farm system to at least think about making an offer.

If there was a match between Chicago and Philadelphia's executives, the Phillies could attempt to go from rebuilding to competing with a pitcher that's one of the 10-or-so best in the game.

Since the start of 2013, Quintana is one of only seven pitchers in baseball to make 120 starts, toss 800 innings and post an ERA+ of 115 or better. The other six: Max Scherzer, Corey Kluber, Jon Lester, Madison Bumgarner, David Price and Cole Hamels. We're talking about one of the best and most consistent starters in baseball for the last four years.

Plus, he's on a bargain contract.

Thanks to one of the most team-friendly deals in the sport, Quintana is guaranteed a grand total of $17.85M on his current deal. If option years in 2019 and 2020 are picked up, Quintana will make a grand total of $37.85M over the next four seasons.

The Phillies could have a sneaky good rotation in 2017. It could be even better in 2018 and beyond with Quintana near the top of the pecking order.

Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.