The lineup surprised people
Jose Quintana, a seasoned pitcher who has played for All-Star teams like the Cubs and Cardinals, recently shared his excitement about joining the New York Mets. During his visit to Clover Park this week, he was genuinely impressed by the team’s talent and accomplishments, calling it a remarkable experience.
A Unique Experience with Elite Talent
“This is truly amazing,” Quintana remarked, emphasizing how the collective experience makes the Mets special. He expressed particular excitement about working alongside superstars like Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer, both multiple Cy Young Award winners. This season, the additions of Kodai Senga and Quintana himself—who signed a two-year, $26 million contract—have further bolstered the Mets’ lineup.
Quintana’s Impressive Track Record
At 34, Quintana brings a wealth of experience, having finished last season with a 2.93 ERA while playing for the Pirates and Cardinals. His career includes stints with the White Sox, Angels, and Giants, but it all began in the Mets’ minor league system in 2006. Former teammate Eduardo Escobar fondly recalled Quintana’s impressive MLB debut, where he pitched 5⅔ scoreless innings against the Indians. “He pitched so well they didn’t send him back down,” Escobar said, praising Quintana’s dedication and respect for the game.
A Strong Start
Quintana’s new teammates saw him in action recently during a practice session where he pitched two innings against star hitters like Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso. Impressively, he didn’t allow any hard-hit balls. “He throws a heavy fastball,” Escobar noted, highlighting Quintana’s smart pitching and deceptive fastball speed, which can appear faster than its actual velocity.
Representing Colombia on the Global Stage
Quintana will make two appearances in spring training before departing on March 6 to compete in the World Baseball Classic, where he will represent Colombia. This event holds special meaning for him, as he previously played for his country in the 2017 tournament. He will be joined by fellow Colombians like Gio Urshela and Donovan Solano. Quintana explained, “Our country is known for baseball and soccer, but now people are paying more attention to us,” emphasizing the growing recognition of Colombian baseball talent.
Hunger for Championship Glory
Quintana’s journey with the Mets began when the team showed early interest during free agency. He felt encouraged to join after the Mets signed Verlander for $86.7 million. “When I heard the Mets were interested, I thought, ‘Wow—that’s a really good team. I want to pitch for them,’” he said.
Having reached the NLCS with the Cubs in 2017 and the playoffs with the Cardinals last season, Quintana is focused on more than just making it past the postseason. “Some players never get the chance to play in the playoffs, but nearly everyone here knows that feeling, and the goal is to win the World Series,” he said. With a blend of talent and experience, Quintana believes the Mets are primed to achieve greatness this season.
