Heading into the 2026 season, the New York Yankees' rotation is one of their strongest points. Max Fried dominated last season, posting a 19-5 record with a 2.86 ERA.
Although Gerrit Cole was sidelined due to injury, he's expected to return near the beginning of the season this year. Add Carlos Rodon, Cam Schlittler, Clarke Schmidt and Luis Gil into the mix and New York has a pretty deep group.
That said, as injuries have piled up in the past, there's no downside to adding reinforcements. One cheap free agent option suggested by Thomas Harrigan of MLB.com is veteran left-hander Jose Quintana.
Last season, Quintana signed with the Brewers on a minor league deal and impressed throughout the season. He finished with an 11-7 record in addition to a 3.96 ERA in 24 starts. Not too bad for a 36-year old.
The 14-year veteran also carries playoff experience, having made appearances in the postseason for the Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Mets and the aforementioned Brewers. In those games he's tallied 31 strikeouts along with a 3.79 ERA.
Although Quintana won't be a Cy Young Award candidate, the Yankees already have plenty of fire power at the top of their rotation. If his value remains cheap near the end of free agency, he'd make a for a great low-risk, high-reward pickup.
Additionally, his presence as a veteran could help the development of young arms like Schlittler, Gil and Will Warren.
More MLB news:
San Francisco has 'checked in on' Cody Bellinger amid free agency
Baltimore Orioles eye Marlins' Edward Cabrera in a trade to shore up their rotation
Tigers re-sign Kyle Finnegan to a two-year $19 million contract
- Detroit once again showing strong interest in free agent Alex Bregman