Career Timeline of José Quintana: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how José Quintana made an impact.

José Quintana is a Colombian-American professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Colorado Rockies in MLB. Throughout his MLB career, he has played for several teams, including the Chicago White Sox, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Angels, San Francisco Giants, Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Mets, and Milwaukee Brewers. He is known for his pitching skills and experience in the major leagues.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2006: Signed with the New York Mets

In 2006, José Quintana signed as an international free agent with the New York Mets and began his professional career in the Rookie-level Venezuelan Summer League (VSL), pitching for the VSL Mets.

2008: Signed with the New York Yankees

In 2008, José Quintana signed with the New York Yankees and pitched in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League (DSL) with the DSL Yankees 2 during the 2008 season.

2009: Second Season with DSL Yankees

In 2009, José Quintana pitched his second season in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League (DSL) with the DSL Yankees 2.

2010: Played for Gulf Coast Yankees and Charleston RiverDogs

In 2010, José Quintana pitched for the Gulf Coast Yankees of the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League and the Charleston RiverDogs of the Class A South Atlantic League.

November 10, 2011: Signed with the Chicago White Sox

On November 10, 2011, José Quintana signed a major league contract with the Chicago White Sox after being recommended by scouts Daraka Shaheed and Joe Siers, who had watched him pitch in the Florida State League (FSL) the previous season. He was then assigned to the Birmingham Barons of the Class AA Southern League.

2011: Success with Tampa Yankees, Became a Free Agent

In 2011, José Quintana posted a 10–2 win–loss record and a 2.91 earned run average (ERA) with the Tampa Yankees. He became a minor league free agent after the 2011 season.

May 7, 2012: MLB Debut and First Appearance

On May 7, 2012, José Quintana made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut with the Chicago White Sox in the first game of a doubleheader, pitching 5+2⁄3 innings in relief. He was optioned back to Birmingham the next day.

2012: MLB Debut and White Sox Signing

In 2012, José Quintana made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut after signing with the Chicago White Sox before the season.

2013: Pitched 200 Innings

In 2013, José Quintana pitched 200 innings in 33 starts, achieving a 9–7 record, 164 strikeouts, and a 3.51 ERA. He led MLB starting pitchers with 17 no decisions.

March 24, 2014: Signed Five-Year Extension with White Sox

On March 24, 2014, José Quintana signed a five-year contract extension with the Chicago White Sox, including club options for two additional years, guaranteeing him $26.5 million.

2015: Pitched Over 206 Innings

In 2015, José Quintana pitched over 206 innings, achieving a 3.36 ERA and a 9-10 record with 177 strikeouts. He led all major league pitchers in curveball percentage (30.9%).

2016: All-Star Selection

In 2016, José Quintana was named an All-Star during his time with the Chicago White Sox, marking a significant achievement in his career.

2016: Named MLB All-Star

Through the All-Star break in 2016, José Quintana had a 7–8 record with a 3.21 ERA. He was named to the MLB All-Star Game as an injury replacement for Danny Salazar. He finished the season with a 13–12 record and a 3.20 ERA.

July 13, 2017: Traded to the Chicago Cubs

On July 13, 2017, José Quintana was traded by the Chicago White Sox to the Chicago Cubs for prospects Eloy Jiménez, Dylan Cease, Matt Rose, and Bryant Flete.

2017: Trade to the Chicago Cubs

During the 2017 season, José Quintana was traded from the Chicago White Sox to the Chicago Cubs.

2017: Named Opening Day Starting Pitcher

In 2017, the Chicago White Sox named José Quintana their Opening Day starting pitcher.

2018: Played for the Cubs

In 2018, José Quintana had a 13–11 record and a 4.03 ERA in 32 starts for the Chicago Cubs. He started the 2018 National League Central tie-breaker game against the Milwaukee Brewers.

August 2019: Strong Performance in August

During August 2019, José Quintana pitched to a 4–1 record with a 2.02 ERA.

2019: Contract Option Exercised

After the 2018 season, the Chicago Cubs exercised their $10.5 million contract option on José Quintana for the 2019 season.

January 22, 2021: Signed with the Los Angeles Angels

On January 22, 2021, José Quintana signed a one-year, $8 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels.

August 30, 2021: Claimed by the San Francisco Giants

On August 30, 2021, José Quintana was claimed off of waivers by the San Francisco Giants.

November 29, 2021: Signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates

On November 29, 2021, José Quintana signed a one-year contract for $2 million with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

2021: Played for the Angels and Giants

During the 2021 season, José Quintana played for both the Los Angeles Angels and the San Francisco Giants.

December 9, 2022: Signed with the New York Mets

On December 9, 2022, José Quintana signed a two-year, $26 million contract with the New York Mets.

2022: Became a free agent

After the 2022 season, José Quintana became a free agent.

2022: Career-Best ERA Season

In the 2022 season, José Quintana achieved a career-best 2.93 ERA, pitching in 32 games, all starts. He also started Game 1 of the Wild Card Series against the Philadelphia Phillies, pitching 5+1⁄3 scoreless innings.

June 13, 2023: Began Rehab Assignment with St. Lucie Mets

On June 13, 2023, after recovering from a stress fracture in his rib cage and subsequent surgery, José Quintana began a rehab assignment with the Low–A St. Lucie Mets.

2023: Signed with the New York Mets

After becoming a free agent after the 2022 season, José Quintana signed a contract with the New York Mets for the 2023 season.

2024: Became a free agent again

After the 2024 season, José Quintana became a free agent.

2024: 100th Career Win and Season Performance

In 2024, José Quintana started for the New York Mets on Opening Day and recorded his 100th career win against the Cincinnati Reds on September 7, becoming the first Colombian-born pitcher to achieve this milestone. He finished the 2024 campaign with a 10–10 record, a 3.75 ERA, and 135 strikeouts.

2024: Wild Card Series Game 3 Start

In the 2024 NL Wild Card Series against the Milwaukee Brewers, José Quintana started Game 3, pitching 6 scoreless innings. The Mets advanced after a 9th-inning rally.