Put your thoughts about next year’s New York Mets on hold. A bold series win against the Milwaukee Brewers and a statement comeback versus the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 1 have them feeling like more than the last time to make it into the playoffs. Team of destiny? You better believe it.
So far we’ve had an abundance of heroes. Not one particular player has stood out most as the team MVP. Guys like Francisco Lindor have done a lot of little things well and had their moments. The Mets are playing like a team more than ever. Included are some impression results from upcoming Mets free agents.
The MLB postseason is young and hopefully not close to over for the Mets. Through 4 games, these three upcoming Mets free agents have three different statuses. One has raised his stock. Another needs to do a bit more. A third has quietly executed.
Mets free agent Jose Quintana has raised his stock most
What a strange year it was for Jose Quintana. It was always difficult to trust him until the final scoreless stretch of the year when no one could get to him. The 35-year-old veteran had barely pitched in the postseason in the past, but two years removed from his last playoff appearance, Quintana came to play on Thursday against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Six shutout innings from Quintana kept them alive for Pete Alonso to deliver the big hammer in the ninth. It’s almost forgotten at this point because of how things escalated after he exited.
Quintana is a curious free agent. On the scale of curiosity, he is far more Benjamin Button than he is George. His excellent finish to the year was the baseball equivalent of aging in reverse. By redeeming himself in the playoffs against the Brewers following his short outing where he lost on the previous Saturday, Quintana added to his case for the Mets to bring him back.
Should they, though? There were times this season when Quintana looked bound for the bullpen. We’re grateful for the way he turned things around. Someone should take notice and reward him with a deal. I’d still be timid to invite him back. It’s going to take more outings like his first playoff appearance to completely change my mind