Veteran left-handed pitcher Jose Quintana has agreed to join the Colorado Rockies for the upcoming MLB season, marking his 15th year in the big leagues. The deal, reported by ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, is pending a physical exam and places Quintana in a stadium known for favoring hitters due to its high altitude.
Recent Moves by the Rockies and Quintana’s Performance History
The Rockies have been active in the offseason, also securing right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano, who last pitched in Japan, on a one-year contract. Quintana, 37, comes off a season split between the New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers, having joined Milwaukee during spring training in 2025. With the Brewers, he provided much-needed reliability in the rotation, posting a 3.96 ERA and a 1.291 WHIP over 24 starts and 131 2/3 innings.
In the postseason, Quintana appeared twice for Milwaukee. Notably, he threw three scoreless innings in relief during the NLDS against the Cubs but struggled in a two-inning start in the NLCS, allowing three earned runs to the eventual World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers.
Career Achievements and Challenges at Coors Field
Over his 14 previous MLB seasons, Quintana has accumulated 113 wins, making him the pitcher with the most victories born in Colombia. However, playing at Coors Field, located 5,200 feet above sea level, has historically been difficult for pitchers. The stadium ranks highest in offensive park factors in MLB over the past three seasons, favoring hitters due to the altitude.
Quintana’s personal statistics at Coors reflect these challenges: in six career starts there, he holds a 5.40 ERA with 33 strikeouts across 42 innings pitched.
Plans Moving Forward: World Baseball Classic and Rockies’ Outlook
Before taking the mound for the Rockies, Quintana is expected to represent Colombia in the 2026 World Baseball Classic this coming March. The Rockies aim to rebuild after three consecutive seasons with over 100 losses, including a franchise-worst 119 defeats in 2025. Quintana’s experience and durability may provide valuable leadership as the team endeavors to improve its standings in the National League.
News: Veteran Jose Quintana is in agreement with the Colorado Rockies, sources tell ESPN. The 37 year old is back for his 15th big league season. The deal is pending a physical.
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) February 11, 2026
