3 Mets players who definitely won't get traded before Opening Day and 3 who still could

The Mets aren’t trading Jose Quintana

Long before the Mets started buying, there was some thought they could make Jose Quintana a trade chip. Well, that's no longer the case. Now appearing to be much more of a bargain based on the contract he signed last winter, Quintana is far more valuable to keep around to give this ball club any shot at competing.

Consider Quintana a one-year free agent pull by the Mets this offseason. At $13 million, he's right there alongside what many others are getting paid, perhaps slightly discounted too based on his abilities.

Beyond just how favorable his contract looks is the obvious need for the Mets in their rotation. Subtracting Quintana now would be counterintuitive to everything they have done, the pitchers they have signed, and the ones they have passed on. Many of the free agents available are inferior. Swapping him for another pitcher in a trade would just be a strange move, but not impossible.

Quintana could be as high as the number two pitcher in the Mets rotation this coming year. Their chance to trade him was early on in the offseason when they had alternatives to look at. He’s staying put for now. Let their addition of Sean Manaea confirm it.