Blue Jays "intensifying" talks with All-Star pitcher
Another pitcher has entered the Blue Jays orbit. Recent reports stated that talks between the Toronto Blue Jays and free agent left hander Jose Quintana have been intensifying.
MLB Insider Hector Gomez was first to report the news.
Now Jays fans are rightfully skeptical, given everything that has - and hasn't -happened this offseason. Besides, Quintana will be 36 when the season starts and the Jays need the rotation to get younger, not older.
While that is true, Quintana is a pitcher that could fit in well with the Blue Jays, especially on a short-term deal.
He is a lefty, something the Blue Jays currently do not have in their starting rotation. While he had some injury problems la couple of years, Quintana had been the model of durability prior to 2023, starting at least 30 games nine times in 13 seasons.
A one or two year deal also makes sense in a transitory type of way. Chris Bassitt is in the last year of his contract, while Kevin Gausman is a free agent after 2026. Jose Berrios also has an opt-out that same year. If all three leave, the Blue Jays will need some veteran presence to go with Bowden Francis and whoever else is in the majors at that point.
Just a few days ago, Blue Jays insider Keegan Matheson named dropped Quintana, along with Andrew Heaney, as exactly the type of pitcher the Blue Jays should think about acquiring. Perhaps Ross Atkins does listen to people after all.
The signing of Quintana would almost certainly push Yariel Rodriguez into a long relief/hybrid role and allow Jake Bloss to work out some kinks in the minors.
While it obviously won't be what Bluebird Nation is clamouring for, it would be something.
For his career, Jose Quintana is 102-103 with a 3.74, 1.276 WHIP and has nearly 1800 strike outs. He was an All-star in 2016.
