There’s a chance that Jose Quintana is the most underrated player in baseball. Although he might not light up the radar gun or find himself in Cy Young Award contention, Quintana has been as reliable and consistent as they come. The 35-year-old is coming off another solid season with the New York Mets, posting a 10-10 record with a 3.75 ERA with 135 strikeouts over 170.1 innings.
An unrestricted free agent, Quintana should draw plenty of interest from teams looking for a steadying force to add to their pitching rotations. Several clubs could use a pitcher like Quintana as the former All-Star has emerged as a viable starter again in the back half of his career, as well as will likely be willing to sign a team-friendly deal.
Before the 2022 season, Quintana signed a two-year, $26 million deal to join the New York Mets. Now two years on, it remains to be seen how much Quintana could make on the open market. However, given his reliability and production, a similar deal or even a cheaper one could be in the cards.
Here’s a closer look at 3 potential landing spots for Jose Quintana in free agency
#1, New York Mets
A return to the New York Mets could be the best option for both parties. Jose Quintana has been excellent for the Mets over the last two seasons, and sometimes it’s simply a case of the grass not always being greener on the other side. New York is primed to make a World Series run, and keeping a steady veteran like Jose Quintana on the roster could help them achieve that goal
#2, Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox have already made a splash this offseason by trading for Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox. Although Crochet may be the sexier name among the fans, a proven arm such as Quintana could help round out the team’s rotation. The Red Sox’s rotation has shown promise. However, Quintana’s consistency could make him a valuable asset, especially on a short-term deal.
#3, Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers have arguably the best pitcher in baseball in the form of Tarik Skubal. However, after him, there is some uncertainty. Casey Mize has shown promise, and new addition Alex Cobb has struggled to remain healthy. This makes Jose Quintana an intriguing fit. He could provide balance in the middle of the Tigers’ rotation while also helping the team until they potentially promote top prospect Jackson Jobe.
