Jose Quintana. Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Brewers add needed veteran to starting rotation

By Taylor Bretl | Last updated Mar 3, 2025 4:09 PM ET

The Milwaukee Brewers have reached an agreement with left-handed pitcher Jose Quintana on a one-year deal, pending a physical. Quintana’s addition provides a veteran presence to a young starting rotation.

The Brewers have reached the postseason in six of the past seven seasons but managed to advance beyond their first round just once (2018). The addition of Quintana seeks to help their chances, given his strong postseason track record.

The left-hander has a career postseason ERA of 3.55 over eight games. In the 2024 postseason with the Mets, he posted a 3.19 ERA in three starts. Notably, Quintana, 36, showcased his talents in the Mets' win-or-go-home Game 3 of the 2024 NL wild-card game against the Brewers themselves. He delivered six scoreless innings, allowing just four hits, one walk and striking out five batters.

What a job by Jose Quintana pic.twitter.com/M06WoAEKFa
— New York Mets (@Mets) October 4, 2024

During the 2024 regular season, Quintana made 31 starts, logging 170.1 innings while striking out 135 batters. He maintained a 3.75 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP, limiting opponents to a .237 batting average.

Particularly notable in joining the Brewers were his performances against NL Central opponents in 2024. In five games against NL Central teams, outside of Milwaukee, he recorded a 0.87 ERA over 31.2 innings, allowing just three earned runs while striking out 25.

While his position within the rotation is uncertain, Quintana is expected to join Milwaukee's starting rotation alongside Freddy Peralta, Nestor Cortes, Tobias Myers and Aaron Civale. This group gives the Brewers a well-rounded pitching staff to open the season. The rotation’s depth will be further enhanced by the return of former ace Brandon Woodruff, who missed the entire 2024 season following shoulder surgery.

Perceived as "owning" the Brewers, Quintana has a 2.98 ERA against Milwaukee (per StatMuse), so the team should be pleased he's now on its side.

Taylor Bretl

Taylor Bretl is a student at Virginia Tech and founder of Around the Globe Baseball. While his passion is MLB, he also has a strong connection with football and basketball at the professional and collegiate levels.

More must-reads: