BREAKING: Understand, Mets reportedly confirms deal to re-sign former left-hander Jose Quintana to starting rotation
The New York Mets will have to start the season without Frankie Montas. Although his recovery timeline has improved to a 4-6 week shutdown instead of the initially feared 6-8 weeks, his availability for Opening Day is still up in the air. Lat strains are known to be unpredictable, and given Montas’ injury history, the Mets can’t afford to assume he’ll be ready in time.
Building a Six-Man Rotation
Despite the setback, the Mets still plan to go with a six-man rotation in 2025. This means pitchers like Griffin Canning, Paul Blackburn, Tylor Megill, and Brandon Sproat will have extended opportunities during spring training. However, the team would be smart to consider adding at least one more dependable starter from outside the organization.
While they have explored top free agents and complex trade targets like Dylan Cease and Michael King, the solution might not need to be that high-profile.
Jose Quintana Reunion on the Table?
One potential addition for the Mets is José Quintana, who has reportedly been hoping for a reunion with the team throughout the winter. According to reporter Francys Romero, the Mets, along with the Rangers and Padres, are expressing interest in the 13-season MLB veteran.
“José Quintana is still attracting interest in the market, despite remaining unsigned. Teams like the Mets, Rangers, and Padres are expected to target the 13-season MLB left-hander in the coming hours, per sources,” Romero shared on X.
More: Mets and Quintana have been talking so the interest is certainly mutual here https://t.co/8SFg6GhqUo
— Pat Ragazzo (@ragazzoreport) February 19, 2025
Why Quintana Makes Sense for the Mets
Pat Ragazzo of Mets on SI reported that the interest between José Quintana and the Mets is mutual, so a deal could potentially be reached in the coming hours.
Given Quintana’s solid track record, he should have already found a new home, but with Montas’ injury and an increase in league-wide interest, he’s generated a strong market.
He was a reliable presence for the Mets last season, posting a 3.75 ERA over 170.1 innings. His strong second-half performance, particularly in September, demonstrated that he still has plenty left to offer. Additionally, he likely won’t command a hefty contract, making him a logical addition to the Mets’ rotation plans.
