Pittsburgh Pirates Sign Veteran Pitcher

The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed Jose Quintana to a one-year, $2 million contract.

Free-agent pitcher Jose Quintana in agreement with the Pittsburgh Pirates, pending physical, according to sources familiar with the situation.

— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) November 21, 2021

Quintana deal expected to be around $2 million, per source.

— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) November 21, 2021

The 2021 season wasn't the best for Quintana. In 29 games between the Los Angeles Angels and San Francisco Giants, he had a 0-3 record and 6.43 ERA. With that, he primarily was utilized in the bullpen. With Pittsburgh, however, he should have a shot to be a starter again. 

It's also important to note that Quintana pitched in only four games during the 2020 season with the Chicago Cubs. This was due to thumb injuries and Lat inflammation. Therefore, his struggles this season could have been due to rustiness.

Quintana could be a bounce back candidate for the 2022 season. Keep in mind, from 2012 to 2019, he was a very solid pitcher. In fact, back in 2016, he also was even an All-Star.

If he ends up rebounding and the Pirates are once again near the bottom of the standings, they could use him as a nice trade piece at the deadline, too.

Photo Credit: © Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports