Another Mets Starter Becoming Serious Trade Candidate

He was seen as a nice free agent signing this past offseason for the New York Mets—a "crafty veteran" and a "fiery competitor". But rib surgery in March delayed Jose Quintana's Mets' debut until a couple of days ago. Is it possible that could be his only start in Queens?

Jose Quintana is drawing trade interest, according to @martinonyc

Andy and @sal_licata discuss if trading Quintana makes sense for the Mets pic.twitter.com/6znZCF7XDP

— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) July 21, 2023

In fact, scouts followed Quintana throughout his rehab starts even before his solid Mets' debut, and he "looked sharper than during his rehab, according to evaluators from two different clubs," reports Mets Insider Andy Martino.

Quintana has immediately become a trade candidate, as the Mets continue to debate whether to sell or not at the deadline this coming week. They remain 7.0 games back in the Wild Card chase, with four teams above them to climb over. 

The 34-year-old lefty went five innings to begin his (short?) New York tenure, allowing just two earned runs, with three strikeouts and no walks. Just like he was last year at this time when he was with the Pittsburgh Pirates, he's become the topic of trade discussions. Last year, he had a 2.93 ERA in 32 starts for the Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals.

To sell or not to sell, that is the question the Mets will continue to struggle with over the next week. 

Photo: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports