Two things are true after seeing NY Mets free agent sign with the Brewers

The Milwaukee Brewers have snagged former New York Mets veteran left-hander Jose Quintana on a one-year deal reportedly around $5 million, which has left many Mets fans scratching their heads. Quintana was a key piece of the rotation last year.

The prolonged Quintana free agency market, stretching well into March, ultimately resulted in a significantly lower price tag than many anticipated. For a pitcher with his track record, the deal looks like a steal, and it begs the question of why the Mets did not pursue him.

A missed opportunity compared to recent Mets deals

While Quintana landed a bargain with the Brewers, the Mets have committed significantly more resources to pitchers with far less proven success. Consider the Mets' recent signings of Griffin Canning and Frankie Montas.

Canning, inked to a deal around the same financial ballpark as Quintana, has struggled with consistency and injury concerns throughout his career. Montas, while possessing tantalizing upside, has also been plagued by injuries and delivered underwhelming results in his recent outings.

Quintana, in contrast, demonstrated his reliability and effectiveness in New York, proving he could handle the pressure of a contending team. To see him sign for such a modest sum, especially compared to the investments in Canning and Montas, feels like a missed opportunity for the Mets to secure a proven veteran at a bargain price.

Luxury tax and the late-market roulette

However, it's crucial to acknowledge the circumstances surrounding Quintana's late free agency and the Mets' financial situation. While the $5 million figure is undeniably attractive, it's essential to remember that the Mets wouldn't have been able to secure that deal months ago. Quintana's market softened as the offseason progressed, and waiting until late March to finalize a signing wasn't a realistic strategy for a team aiming for early-season stability.

Furthermore, the Mets' hefty payroll and luxury tax implications play a significant role. Having surpassed the highest threshold of the competitive balance tax, the Mets face a substantial penalty for every dollar spent above the limit. This "110% tax" would have effectively doubled the cost of Quintana's contract, making it far less of a bargain.

While around $10 million for Quintana would still be a solid deal, the team's financial planning did not allow for a late signing like this. Given the timing and the financial penalties, it's difficult to fault the Mets entirely for not pursuing Quintana.