For the most part, the Atlanta Braves did everything they had to do this offseason. They added a hopefully impact bat in Jurickson Profar and return a roster that, if healthy, should be among the best in baseball. They did lose Max Fried, Charlie Morton, and AJ Minter and Joe Jimenez is hurt, but Atlanta does seem to have what they need to cover those losses.
Still, it is apparent that the Braves have interest in adding pitching depth for 2025. The team has been connected to several starters on the free agent and trade markets including a deal with Jeff Hoffman that fell though, but Atlanta has thus far been unable to close the deal on a player they want.
With spring training set to really get started this weekend, it appears as though that search continues. According to MLB insider Hector Gomez, the Braves are interested in Jose Quintana along with at least a half dozen other teams.
José Quintana's 2Ks in the 5th.
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) October 9, 2024
6Ks thru 5. pic.twitter.com/7wQ7JYO0cr
Braves rumored interest in Jose Quintana feels very on-brand
Purely on merit alone, the Braves targeting Quintana makes a lot of sense. He shouldn't require much of a payroll commitment and is coming off a two year run with the division rival Mets where he posted a 3.70 ERA in 44 starts. If we know anything about Alex Anthopoulos, it is that he loves giving out short-term deals to veterans with upside at positions of need and Quintana is that to a T.
However, Atlanta is far from the only team that is apparently trying to entice Quintana. According to Gomez, the veteran free agent already turned down an offer from the Pirates (which is understandable) and counts the Brewers, Mets, Rangers, and Padres as among the teams that have expressed interest in him.
Do the Braves need an arm like Quintana? Probably not? They do have Ian Anderson, Grant Holmes, AJ Smith-Shawver, Bryce Elder, and Hurston Waldrep as internal rotation options in camp right now. However, pitching depth is always important and if the price is right, adding Quintana could provide some added insurance at a position that, more often than not, needs it over the course of a long season.