When it comes to the Atlanta Braves and the New York Mets, there’s no love lost. This rivalry has been simmering for years, and as we head into 2025, don’t expect the temperature to drop anytime soon.
If anything, things could get even spicier, especially if a certain left-handed pitcher decides to swap his Mets blue for Braves red.
Enter José Quintana. The 13-year veteran was a steady, reliable arm for the Mets over the past two seasons, proving his worth after signing a $26 million deal.
Quintana Would Be a Great Fit For the Braves
As he stares down the latter stages of his career, the 35-year-old is looking for one more shot to prove he’s still got it. The Braves could be the perfect landing spot, with their rotation depth a little thinner than they’d like.
And it’s not just speculation—YouTube baseball analyst Jim Riley of BALLCAP Sports recently floated the idea of Quintana joining Atlanta, and it’s easy to see why it makes sense. The Braves have a solid top three in their rotation but beyond that?
Some question marks loom, especially with Spencer Strider working his way back. Adding Quintana would bring stability, depth, and a proven track record to a team with serious postseason aspirations.
“I like the idea of (Quintana) going to Atlanta,” Riley noted in his video. “We know there are going to be injuries, and we know there are guys who can transition to the bullpen. The depth and the options that Quintana brings the Braves, I like.”
And it’s hard to argue with that logic. In 2024, Quintana was the picture of consistency for New York, posting a solid 3.75 ERA over 31 starts and chewing up 170+ innings. But what really stands out? His late-season dominance.
In September, when the pressure was at its highest, Quintana delivered a sparkling 0.72 ERA over his final four starts, helping the Mets scrape into the postseason.
Solid Even Though Past His Prime
Sure, he’s not the same guy who made the All-Star team back in 2016, but let’s not kid ourselves—Quintana knows how to pitch, and more importantly, he knows how to win when it counts.
And if there’s one thing the Braves love, it’s getting the most out of seasoned veterans. Just ask Chris Sale, who’s also heading into his age-36 season and looking to keep the good times rolling in Atlanta.
Would it be a bit awkward for Mets fans to see Quintana in a Braves uniform? Absolutely. Without a doubt, it would make Atlanta’s rotation better.
And don’t be surprised if, come September, Quintana is out there twirling six scoreless innings in a crucial division game, with Mets fans watching in disbelief.
The rivalry isn’t cooling off anytime soon, and if Quintana makes the move south, it might just turn up the heat a little more.
