Jose Quintana, a skilled veteran and former All-Star pitcher, is widely predicted to sign with the Kansas City Royals this offseason. After an impressive stint with the New York Mets in 2024, Quintana is poised to bring stability and expertise to a Royals rotation that is seeking reinforcements after trading away Brady Singer. MLB analyst Jim Bowden has described the potential deal as a “perfect fit” for both the player and the franchise.
How Jose Quintana fills Kansas City’s pitching void.
Following their 2024 postseason run, the Kansas City Royals are working to cement themselves as contenders in the American League Central. The trade of Brady Singer to the Cincinnati Reds in November left a significant gap in their pitching staff, as Singer provided 179 2/3 innings last season. While the Royals have indicated that Kris Bubic could step into the rotation, doubts remain about their overall depth.
Quintana, who turns 36 in January, offers a proven track record of reliability. In 2024, he delivered a 3.75 ERA across 170 1/3 innings and struck out 135 batters. His ability to induce weak contact and consistently pitch deep into games makes him an invaluable addition. According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, “Quintana’s elite command and experience make him a strong asset for any rotation, particularly for a team like Kansas City, which needs innings and stability.”
Spotrac projects a two-year, $16 million deal for Quintana, making him a cost-effective option for the Royals. His presence would also complement younger arms like Cole Ragans and Seth Lugo, creating a balanced and competitive rotation.
Quintana’s resurgence and postseason impact.
While Quintana started the 2024 season slowly, posting a 5.06 ERA over his first 11 starts, his second-half resurgence was remarkable. He recorded a 2.05 ERA in July and an impressive 0.72 ERA in September , reminding teams across the league of his ability to adapt and thrive under pressure. Quintana capped his season with a stellar postseason performance, pitching six scoreless innings in Game 3 of the NL Wild Card Series against the Milwaukee Brewers. His ability to rise to the occasion in high-stakes games makes him an ideal addition for the Royals, who are aiming to build on their 2024 playoff run.
Adding Quintana would provide the Royals with more than just a reliable arm; it would also bring veteran leadership to a rotation that mixes youth and potential. His postseason pedigree and ability to mentor younger players could be pivotal as Kansas City looks to return to October baseball in 2025.
The implications for both Kansas City and New York.
From the Mets’ perspective, Quintana’s departure seems inevitable as they continue to focus on other priorities. After signing superstar Juan Soto to a historic 15-year, $765 million contract and fortifying their rotation with Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea, New York has shifted attention to re-signing Pete Alonso. Additionally, their experiment to transition Clay Holmes from a reliever to a starter suggests they are leaning toward internal solutions for their pitching depth.
However, losing Quintana could expose the Mets to potential risks, especially if Holmes struggles in his new role. Quintana’s consistency in delivering quality starts and his ability to log innings would have provided valuable insurance for a team with championship ambitions.
For the Royals, this move represents a calculated step forward. Their 2024 success was fueled by standout performances from Seth Lugo and Cole Ragans, but adding a steady veteran like Quintana could elevate their rotation to one of the strongest in the AL Central. His combination of experience, durability, and skill would provide the Royals with the tools they need to compete against divisional rivals.
What’s next for the Royals and Quintana?
If the Royals finalize a deal with Quintana, it would signal their commitment to building a balanced and competitive team. Quintana’s durability — having averaged over 170 innings per season since 2018 — and his ability to adapt his style as his velocity declines make him a rare asset in today’s market. His presence would not only fill a critical need but also send a message to competitors that Kansas City is serious about contending in 2025.
For Quintana, this potential move offers an opportunity to craft a new chapter in his career. Joining a team with postseason aspirations, he would have the chance to solidify his legacy as a reliable and clutch performer. His veteran presence could also play a crucial role in mentoring the Royals’ younger pitchers, ensuring long-term stability for Kansas City’s rotation.
With the MLB offseason still in full swing, all eyes are on the Royals’ front office as they look to finalize their roster. Securing Jose Quintana would not only strengthen their rotation but also position Kansas City as a legitimate threat in the AL Central. As the free agency market continues to unfold, the Royals’ pursuit of Quintana could become one of the offseason’s most significant moves.
