Former SF Giants veteran southpaw signs one-year deal with the Pirates

Earlier this week, one minor free agent came off of the board. Former SF Giants left-handed hurler José Quintana signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Former SF Giants veteran southpaw signs one-year deal with the Pirates

Quintana has been a quality starter throughout his career as he has posted a 3.84 ERA in 10 seasons with the Chicago White Sox, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Angels, and Giants. However, he has struggled to the tune of a 5.13 ERA since the start of 2019.

With that being said, the 32-year-old starter still offers some upside, so it is no surprise to see him score a guaranteed contract. Plus, landing with the Pirates will presumably give Quintana a chance to start.

The 2021 season did not go as planned for the veteran pitcher. He signed a one-year, $8 million pact with the Angels but he registered a 6.75 ERA, 4.31 FIP, 1.78 WHIP, 12.3 K/9, and a 2.52 SO/W ratio across 53.1 innings before being placed on waivers at the end of August.

In need of pitching, the Giants were awarded the claim and made a sizable investment by assuming the remainder of his $8 million contract. The lefty was placed in the bullpen but he struggled to find a role with the Giants.

Oftentimes, the Giants would use him in mop-up duty. He allowed five earned runs on eight hits, including three home runs, with 12 strikeouts in 9.2 frames with the Orange and Black. Keeping the ball in the park has become a problem for Quintana in recent years, but that is often the case with flyball pitchers as they age.

The Giants decided to designate him for assignment at the end of the season. To no surprise, he went unclaimed and remained with the Giants organization. Interestingly, he was part of the taxi squad in the playoffs, so the Giants considered adding him back to the roster if an emergency arose.

Nevertheless, he still misses bats at an above-average rate and that is a quality that will allow him to continue finding opportunities. His brief time with the Giants did not go as planned but he soaked up a few innings, which is all they could have asked for in a waiver claim.