The Atlanta Braves and New York Mets don’t like each other very much. Expect that trend to continue into 2025, regardless of what happens during the remainder of free agency.
With that said, some extra animosity could sneak its way into the rivalry this season if a former Mets pitcher switches sides to help out the sneaky-thin Braves rotation.
Jose Quintana was a productive member of the Mets for the last two seasons after inking a $26 million contract. A 13-year veteran, Quintana will now be looking to prolong his career as long as possible into his late 30s.
In a recent YouTube video, content creator Jim Riley of BALLCAP Sports predicted that Quintana would sign with the Braves, adding a consistent fourth starter to the mix while Spencer Strider attempts to return to the rotation early in the season.
“I like the idea of (Quintana) going to Atlanta,” Riley said. “The top three in that (Braves) rotation look pretty good right now, then there’s some question marks.”
“We know there are going to be injuries, and we know that there are guys who can transition to the bullpen. The depth and the options that Quintana brings the Braves, I like.”
Quintana was remarkably consistent and durable in 2024, pitching to a 3.75 ERA in 31 starts and 170 1/3 innings. In particular, he was excellent in September, going 3-1 with a 0.72 ERA in his final four starts of the season to help the Mets make the playoffs by a single game.
Though he’s no longer the All-Star he once was in 2016, Quintana can still be a valuable member of a big-league rotation in his age-36 season. And no one is better at getting production from veteran starters than the Braves–just ask another soon-to-be 36-year-old, Chris Sale.
If Atlanta nabs Quintana on a one-year deal, don’t be surprised to see him throwing six scoreless innings in a huge September game with the division on the line this season.
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