The New York Mets are facing yet another curveball ahead of the 2025 MLB season. Left-hander Sean Manaea, a key part of their rotation, has been sidelined due to an oblique injury — and it couldn’t have come at a worse time. With the clock ticking down to Opening Day, the Mets are scrambling for solutions, and one familiar face might be the answer: former Cardinals All-Star pitcher Jose Quintana.
Sean Manaea’s injury puts Mets rotation in a tough spot
Sean Manaea’s injury saga started early in spring training when he experienced discomfort in his right side. What initially seemed minor took a more serious turn when an MRI confirmed a strain, forcing the Mets to shut him down for at least two weeks. If everything goes smoothly, Manaea might return by mid-to-late April — but that still leaves the Mets with a significant gap in their pitching rotation.
Jose Quintana: A familiar face and a reliable option
Enter Jose Quintana. The left-hander, who pitched for the Cardinals in 2022, remains unsigned as spring training rolls on. Quintana was a solid force for St. Louis after being traded from the Pittsburgh Pirates, even earning the honor of starting Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series against the Philadelphia Phillies.
After his short stint with the Cardinals, Quintana inked a two-year, $26 million deal with the Mets, helping them reach the National League Championship Series last year. His stellar performance against the Phillies in Game 4 of the NLDS cemented his reputation as a clutch postseason pitcher.
Why Quintana makes sense for the Mets
With Manaea out, bringing Quintana back seems like a no-brainer. The Mets need stability, and Quintana’s familiarity with both the team and the high-pressure moments of New York baseball makes him an ideal fit. He knows the roster, the rotation dynamics, and what it takes to perform under the bright lights of Citi Field.
Plus, with the Cardinals staying quiet this offseason — failing to land big-name free agents or move players like Nolan Arenado — there’s little standing in the way of Quintana reuniting with the Mets.
What’s next for the Mets?
While Manaea works on his recovery, the Mets’ front office has a decision to make. With options dwindling and Opening Day looming, a reunion with Quintana might be the boost the Mets need to weather this storm.
The clock is ticking — will the Mets bring back their former ace to stabilize their shaky rotation? Fans will be watching closely.
Also read – Rafael Devers races against time to reclaim Red Sox third base spot as Opening Day approaches
