Sportsnet 590 The Fan sports talk show hosts Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker have discussed veteran free agent starter Jose Quintana as a potential fit for the Toronto Blue Jays. On Monday, Barker and Blair mentioned on their radio show, “If a Max Scherzer or Jose Quintana falls into my lap, I’m fine [with that], but I’m still invested in getting another hitter in here…” Following the Blue Jays’ signing of free agent power hitter Anthony Santander, Blair and Barker are curious about who the Blue Jays will be targeting next.
“If a Max Scherzer or José Quintana falls into my lap, I’m fine [with that], but I’m still invested in getting another hitter in here…”@SNJeffBlair & Kevin Barker wonder what’s next on the horizon for the #BlueJays‘ offseason after signing Anthony Santander.#TOTHECORE pic.twitter.com/GOQor0crjf
— Sportsnet 590 The FAN (@FAN590) January 27, 2025
Toronto Sports Hosts Discuss Jose Quintana as Possible Fit with Blue Jays
The Blue Jays would benefit from a veteran arm, and Scherzer’s name has come up in talks recently. But the rumors about the left-handed starter Quintana have been on the quiet side. While the free agent Scherzer would provide leadership for the Blue Jays, Quintana, who is four years younger, is another option they could explore. Blair and Barker are keen on the Blue Jays signing another power bat, but the team still has to fill voids in the pitching staff this offseason.
Last season, Quintana sported a 10-10 record with a 3.75 ERA along with 135 strikeouts and a 1.250 WHIP. According to Spotrac, he has a projected market value of $16,572,404 on a two-year deal. Quintana is a suitable and well-grounded option for the Blue Jays, who have the potential to amplify their rotation with a middle starter. The left-hander has shown durability for most of his 13-year career and would fit well in the third or fourth spot in the rotation.
Quintana also has a solid groundball rate that would benefit the Blue Jays, as Rogers Centre has transitioned into a more pitcher-friendly ballpark. According to Baseball Savant, Quintana sported a groundball rate of 48.2% last season. The Blue Jays would benefit from adding a veteran arm in Quintana. He performed well in the postseason for the New York Mets last season. For his career, he has a 3.14 ERA with 13 strikeouts in the postseason.
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