The Montas Injury and the Need for Quintana

The Mets were initially optimistic about their rotation depth heading into the 2025 season. With an already stacked group and promising young arms, the addition of Frankie Montas seemed like a perfect insurance policy to bolster the team’s chances for a postseason run. However, those plans were quickly derailed when Montas underwent an MRI, which confirmed significant shoulder damage that would require an extended recovery process.

This injury left the Mets with a clear hole in their starting rotation, one they could not afford to ignore with the season rapidly approaching. General Manager David Stearns and the Mets front office began exploring potential solutions, knowing that the free-agent market for quality starting pitchers was dwindling.

Quintana’s Return: A Familiar Face

José Quintana, 35, initially signed with the Mets in the 2023 offseason on a two-year contract worth $26 million. After a rocky start to the 2023 season, Quintana found his groove and was instrumental in stabilizing the Mets’ rotation down the stretch. He made 32 starts, posting a respectable 3.63 ERA and a solid 1.23 WHIP in 2023, impressing many with his ability to generate weak contact and limit hard-hit balls.

While Quintana’s numbers didn’t stand out among the likes of Scherzer and Verlander, he offered a steady presence and veteran leadership in the Mets’ starting staff. His ability to pitch deep into games and take the ball every five days made him a valuable asset. After hitting free agency in the 2024 offseason, Quintana drew interest from several teams, but ultimately chose to re-sign with the Mets, a team he had established strong chemistry with.

The Mets’ decision to bring Quintana back on a one-year deal is largely seen as a practical one. With Montas out of the picture, the Mets needed a pitcher who could eat innings and contribute to the rotation without breaking the bank. At $12 million for a season, Quintana provides a cost-effective option for a team with championship aspirations.

What Quintana Brings to the Table

While Quintana’s best years may be behind him, he remains a reliable left-hander capable of providing stability in a rotation that could otherwise have a few question marks. His command has always been his strong suit, with Quintana’s ability to control the strike zone helping him avoid walks and keeping runners off base. He may not have the overpowering stuff of other aces, but Quintana excels in pitching to contact and getting hitters to ground out. His 2023 season showed that he could still be effective at this age.

In 2023, Quintana was especially tough against left-handed hitters, holding them to a .231 batting average. His ability to neutralize opposing lefties will be a key asset for the Mets, who rely heavily on their starting pitchers to manage both lefty and righty matchups. Quintana’s experience also makes him a mentor figure for younger pitchers like David Peterson and Tylor Megill, who will be counted on in the absence of Montas.

Mets’ Future Outlook

With the addition of Quintana, the Mets’ rotation now looks a bit more settled despite Montas’ injury. The front office will continue to evaluate their options, keeping an eye on the trade market for any potential upgrades if necessary. However, for now, Quintana gives the Mets a dependable veteran arm, and with Scherzer and Verlander leading the charge, the team can remain confident in their pitching staff’s ability to compete at a high level.

Quintana’s return also signals the Mets’ commitment to being competitive in 2025. By locking him in for one more year, the Mets ensure that their rotation will remain one of the most experienced in the league. While the injury to Montas was a major blow, the Mets’ quick response to bring back a proven commodity in Quintana shows their determination to remain a top contender in the National League.

As the Mets head into the 2025 season, they’ll be hoping that Quintana can provide the same consistency that made him a crucial part of their 2023 success. With their rotation now firmly in place, the Mets look ready to tackle the challenges of the upcoming season and make another push for the postseason.

A logical move for the Mets