By Sunday 
From Big Leagues to Big Burgers: Ex-Mets Starter Takes Detour to Triple-A
Jose Quintana’s Unexpected Start to the Season
Jose Quintana, a key contributor to the Mets’ postseason success last year, is taking a slight detour before making his 2025 debut with the Milwaukee Brewers. The veteran left-hander has agreed to start the season in Triple-A Nashville, a move that may be temporary but has certainly raised some eyebrows.
A Spring Training Shortcut
At 36 years old, Quintana joined the Brewers relatively late in spring training, limiting his time on the mound. With only five starts under his belt, the Brewers have decided to send him to Triple-A to complete his build-up before adding him to their major league roster.
While the exact timeline for his return remains uncertain, this isn’t a demotion—it’s a strategic move. The Brewers want Quintana to be fully ready before facing big-league hitters again. Still, it’s not every day that a pitcher who shut down playoff opponents just months ago is sent to the minors to start a season.
From Postseason Hero to Minor League Tune-Up
Quintana played a pivotal role in the Mets’ playoff push last season, especially in his final six regular-season starts, where he posted a sparkling 0.74 ERA over 36 1/3 innings. His dominance carried into October, helping the Mets eliminate the Brewers with a brilliant six-scoreless-inning performance in Game 3 of the Wild Card Series.
His postseason magic continued against the Phillies before running into trouble against the Dodgers in the NLCS. Despite that rough outing, Quintana’s strong resume earned him a one-year, $4.25 million deal with Milwaukee.
What’s Next for Quintana?
Quintana’s minor league stint is expected to be short-lived. The Brewers likely want him stretched out before inserting him into their rotation. Once he’s back in the big leagues, Milwaukee will be counting on him to provide stability and veteran leadership to their pitching staff.
For now, though, Quintana will be spending some time in Nashville, where he might be swapping the bright lights of MLB stadiums for minor-league bus rides and some of the best barbecue the South has to offer. If all goes according to plan, he’ll be back in Milwaukee soon, ready to make another postseason push—hopefully without another unexpected pit stop along the way.