In a surprising turn of events, the New York Mets have made a significant move just days before the start of the 2025 MLB season. The team announced that they have signed left-handed pitcher José Quintana to a two-year, $26 million deal, bringing him back to the Mets after a brief stint with the St. Louis Cardinals. This signing comes on the heels of an unexpected injury to newly acquired pitcher Sean Manaea, who will now miss a significant portion of the season, forcing the Mets to make a last-minute roster adjustment.
The Injury That Sparked the Move
Manaea, who had been a key off-season acquisition for the Mets, was expected to bolster their pitching staff alongside ace Max Scherzer and Cy Young candidate Justin Verlander. The 31-year-old lefty had spent the previous years with the San Diego Padres before joining the Mets, with the hope that his left-handed arm would add balance to the rotation. However, just days before the season opener, Manaea sustained a significant shoulder injury during a routine workout. Although the injury is not expected to require surgery, the team confirmed that Manaea would be sidelined for at least two months, dealing a blow to the Mets’ pitching depth.
With Manaea’s absence looming large, Mets’ general manager David Stearns and the front office scrambled to find a suitable replacement in the trade or free-agent market. After evaluating several options, the Mets quickly zeroed in on José Quintana, who had spent the 2023 season with the Mets and was coming off a solid year with the Cardinals in 2024.
Quintana’s Return to the Mets
Quintana, 35, first joined the Mets during the 2023 trade deadline after a long career with the Chicago White Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Chicago Cubs. He was brought in to provide stability and experience to the Mets’ pitching staff in the midst of a playoff push. Despite some inconsistencies in the first half of the season, Quintana found his groove after the trade and finished the year strong, helping the Mets in their push to make the postseason. His efforts earned him a solid contract offer from the St. Louis Cardinals for the 2024 season, where he pitched well but ultimately became a free agent after the year ended.
After spending one season in St. Louis, where he posted a 4.15 ERA in 28 starts, Quintana became a highly sought-after veteran option in the free-agent market. The Mets, familiar with his reliability and familiarity with the clubhouse culture, jumped at the opportunity to bring him back when Manaea went down with the injury.
“We know exactly what we’re getting with José,” Eppler said in a statement. “He’s been a leader in the clubhouse, and he has the experience to step right in and fill a big gap in our rotation. We’re thrilled to have him back, especially with Sean’s injury and the need for additional depth.”
A Welcome Addition to the Mets’ Rotation
Quintana is expected to slide into the Mets’ starting rotation alongside Kodai Senga. The addition of Quintana stabilizes what had become an uncertain pitching situation for the Mets. With Manaea’s injury, many fans and analysts had questioned whether the Mets would have enough starting depth to contend in the National League East, but Quintana’s return has provided them with a reliable arm who can eat innings and keep the team in games.
“José’s ability to adjust in any situation makes him a valuable piece for us,” Mets manager Buck Showalter said. “He’s been around the block, and we expect him to step up and give us solid performances every fifth day.”
The Financial Impact and Future of the Deal
The terms of the deal—a two-year, $26 million contract—are reasonable for a pitcher of Quintana’s pedigree. With an average annual value of $13 million, the Mets are getting a veteran arm who can provide significant innings, particularly in the back end of the rotation. The signing is seen as a stopgap measure, though, as the Mets have more high-ceiling arms in the minor leagues who could be ready to contribute soon. With their core of Scherzer, Verlander, and Senga still in their prime, Quintana’s role is expected to be that of a reliable veteran presence, rather than a long-term fixture.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for the Mets’ Season
The Mets’ decision to sign Quintana just days before the season begins shows the team’s commitment to competing for the National League East title and, ultimately, a deep postseason run. The injury to Manaea was a tough blow, but it has now provided an opportunity for Quintana to re-establish himself with the team, a familiar environment where he succeeded in the past.
The Mets will now rely on their revamped pitching staff to help them get through the early portion of the season while Manaea recovers. With the added stability of Quintana, they’re hoping that the starting rotation will continue to be one of their strongest assets as they strive for another shot at October baseball.
The Mets’ last-minute move to sign José Quintana was a smart, calculated decision in response to Sean Manaea’s injury. With their rotation now bolstered by Quintana’s experience and consistency, the team looks poised to remain one of the top contenders in the National League. Quintana’s familiarity with the Mets and his proven track record in the majors make him a perfect fit to fill the void left by Manaea’s absence, ensuring that the Mets’ rotation remains deep as they march toward the 2025 season.
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