A more realistic NY Mets free agent option other than Jose Quintana

The injury bug has struck the Mets pitching staff early in Spring Training. Last week we learned that free agent acquisition Frankie Montas was diagnosed with high-grade lat strain. He'll not throw for the next six to eight weeks and then be re-evaluated. It's likely we won't see Montas until at least June. Then on Monday, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza announced that Sean Manaea is dealing with an oblique strain and will likely start the season on the injured list.

With these developments, concerns for the pitching staff have increased. The depth the Mets built over the offseason is being tested, and many fans are looking to the free-agent market for potential fixes. One of the most popular names being brought up is former Met Jose Quintana. However, a better fit for the Mets is free agent pitcher Spencer Turnbull.

Why Spencer Turnbull is a better fit for the Mets

The main reason why lots of fans have circled Quintana as a potential target is familiarity. Quintana has spent the last two years in Queens and found decent success. Pitching to a 3.70 ERA over 246 innings with 195 strikeouts to 87 walks, a 1.781 WHIP, and an ERA+ of 109. But the biggest hurdle is the money. Quintana will only sign a major league contract. With the Mets currently in the "Cohen tax" with their payroll, it means they'll have to pay a 110% tax for any additional dollars they add.

While we like to joke that Steve Cohen has unlimited money, there is a budget. The Mets aren't going to spend recklessly, and make financially irresponsible moves, just for the sake of making a move. If the Mets were to give Quintana a ten million dollar deal, with the luxury tax penalties it is more like a $21 million dollar deal. A major overpay for someone of Quintana caliber.

Turnbull is a quality pitcher the Mets can get for cheap. They can likely sign him to a split contract. Where he has two different salaries depending on if he's in the majors or the minors. They can increase the value on both ends to give him some incentive to sign. If it's just a major league deal, Spotac projects his market value to be around $4.5 million which, with the 110% tax, pushes toward $10 million.

Turnbull is coming off a decent season with the Phillies in 2024. In 54.1 innings he pitched to a 2.65 ERA, with 58 strikeouts to 20 walks, a 1.049 WHIP, and an ERA+ of 154. He served as a swingman both starting games and coming out of the bullpen, a similar role to what Trevor Williams was for the Mets in 2022. This brings a lot of flexibility to the Mets rotation. While Manaea will start the season on the IL, he should only miss a couple of weeks. So when he comes back Turnbull can continue to help the team by coming out of the bullpen, as well as making spot starts when needed.

Although, Quintana is a player fans are familiar with, Turnbull is a better fit for the 2025 roster.