The New York Mets have designated José Quintana as their Opening Day starter, according to an announcement made by Manager Carlos Mendoza to reporters on Wednesday. Mendoza praised Quintana’s extensive experience in professional baseball and his ability to compete effectively on the mound.
Mendoza highlighted Quintana’s resilience and skill set, emphasizing his capacity to perform under pressure and contribute positively to the team’s success. Despite Quintana’s age of 35 and his absence from the game for a portion of the previous season due to injury, he quickly proved his value with the Mets, delivering strong performances in 13 starts and demonstrating a solid 3.57 ERA.
Originally, Kodai Senga was slated for the Opening Day role, but an unfortunate shoulder injury sidelined him for a significant portion of the early season. While Luis Severino displayed outstanding form during spring training, Quintana emerged as the logical replacement for Senga due to his familiarity with the team and his influential presence in the clubhouse.
Although Quintana had one previous Opening Day start in his career with the Chicago White Sox in 2017, he expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to start the season opener with the Mets, particularly given the caliber of talent in the team’s pitching rotation.
The Mets will kick off their season on March 28 at Citi Field against the Milwaukee Brewers, marking their first home Opening Day with fans in attendance since 2018. This event holds particular significance for Pete Alonso, as it will be his first Opening Day game at home with fan support.
As Quintana enters the final season of his two-year, $22 million contract signed in December 2022, he faces high expectations to deliver consistent innings and performance. The Mets are counting on him to contribute significantly to their success, whether it be securing a playoff spot or potentially serving as a trade asset at the deadline. Quintana’s performance this season will not only impact the team’s fortunes but also his own future in free agency, where the demand for quality pitching presents an opportunity for him to capitalize on a strong 2024 campaign. However, for now, his focus remains firmly on his upcoming Opening Day assignment with the Mets.