The New York Mets are going all in for the season. Be it a blockbuster signing or even Steve Cohen Tax, they are ready for whatever it takes. While they already have an apt roster, rumors lean heavily toward a possible reunion with Jose Quintana.

Despite the urgency presented by injuries to key pitchers Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea, the Mets’ front office appears willing to resist the temptation of signing Quintana. Ken Rosenthal from The Athletic noted that the team feels confident in the depth they’ve cultivated within their pitching staff.

Jose Quintana
Jose Quintana (Photo by Brad Penner/Imagn Images)

“Well, the reason is ‘The Steve Cohen Tax,’ and they are over the highest threshold already. So if they sign Quintana for say $10 million, probably would be less than that but let’s just use that as an easy number. You’re paying a 110% tax on $10 million that’s $11 million. So, it effectively costs 21 million. Now, I like Jose Quintana. I think you should be at a camp somewhere. I don’t know if I would want to expand by $21 million to get him. And that’s the problem as far as free agents are concerned,” Rosenthal said.

While being in pursuit of Quintana, the Mets will avail the fourth luxury tax threshold, also known as the Steve Cohen Tax. However, the Steve Cohen Tax has become an essential consideration for the Mets this offseason. As the organization already projects to exceed the fourth luxury tax threshold, any subsequent signings will trigger a steep 110% penalty on expenses.

This penalty effectively doubles the cost of new player contracts. And making a reasonable signing like Quintana, who might command around $15 million for a year. All that to a burdensome $30 million expenditure.

Does Jose Quintana Reunion Make Sense For The Mets?

While there will be luxury tax implications, a reunion with Jose Quintana makes a lot of sense for the Mets. Especially in light of the recent injury setbacks to key starters Montas and Manaea. With a rotation now relying heavily on consistency from pitchers Tylor Megill and Griffin Canning, Quintana’s experience would add much-needed stability.

Over his last two seasons with the Mets, he turned his performance around after a rough start. He also finished 2024 with a 2.77 ERA in his final 18 outings. Moreover, Quintana’s postseason experience is a significant asset. Although his last game in the NLCS did not go as planned, he could perform under pressure in earlier playoff rounds.

Slotting him into the rotation would not only provide a solid back-end starter but also give younger pitchers a reliable mentor. Sharing a clubhouse with a seasoned veteran can benefit the development and confidence of emerging talents like Megill and even Blackburn.

Additionally, bringing Quintana back would allow the Mets to strengthen their depth without a major financial commitment, given that he remains a free agent.