Bleacher Report predicts under-the-radar free agent addition for Rangers

It takes an army to get through the grind of a 162-game season and win a championship. The Texas Rangers know this after taking home the hardware in 2023, and according to one suggestion they may attempt to add an undervalued soldier this winter.

Bleacher Report recently predicted that the Rangers could look to add New York Mets’ starting pitcher Jose Quintana this offseason. The lefty signed a two-year deal with the Mets in 2022 worth $26 million, but is set to become a free agent.

When healthy, Quintana has been solid. He holds a career 3.74 ERA across more than a decade of major league experience. Additionally, he has been a key part of the Mets’ Postseason run. He ranked in the 79th percentile in GB% and the 70th percentile in Barrel% this season.

Bleacher Report predicts under-the-radar free agent addition for Rangers

Quintana was particularly effective in Game 3 of New York’s Wild Card series against the Milwaukee Brewers. The 35-year-old tossed six innings of scoreless baseball and kept Flushing’s finest within striking distance. He later pitched five innings in Game 4 of the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies and only surrendered one unearned run as the Mets clinched a spot in the NLCS.

“I always think: Just go out there and do my job,” Quintana said after the win over Philly. “During the Postseason, I’m always telling our guys it’s a lot of energy … don’t let the energy push you too much. Just focus on one pitch at a time.”

Quintana is not a top-flight starter who could headline a rotation, but he could add depth to a Rangers’ staff that will look different in 2025. Further, Quintana’s experience is something that a number of teams would love to have on their roster. With Max Scherzer likely departing, young players like Kumar Rocker and Jack Leiter could benefit from the presence of a seasoned veteran.

It is not known what Quintana’s market will look like, or if Texas will be willing to spend on a one or two season rental. But, he is certainly an option worth monitoring.