Rockies Sign Veteran Pitcher Jose Quintana to Free-Agent Deal

37-year-old left-hander brings stability and leadership to Colorado's starting rotation.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Colorado Rockies have agreed to a free-agent contract with veteran left-handed pitcher Jose Quintana, adding an experienced and reliable arm to their starting rotation ahead of the 2026 season. The 37-year-old Quintana, who has spent 14 seasons in the majors, is expected to provide stability and mentorship for the Rockies' young pitching staff.

Why it matters

The Rockies are looking to bounce back from a 110-plus loss season in 2025, and the addition of Quintana represents a calculated investment in dependability rather than a high-risk gamble. Quintana's ground-ball tendencies and command profile could translate well at Coors Field, where limiting hard contact is essential.

The details

Quintana posted a 3.96 ERA over 131 innings with the Milwaukee Brewers last season, continuing a career defined by reliability. Across more than 2,100 career innings, he has recorded over 1,800 strikeouts while consistently taking the ball every fifth day. The Rockies are hoping Quintana's presence will also help protect their bullpen, which carried a heavy workload last season.

  • The agreement with Quintana is pending a physical, a standard step before the signing becomes official.
  • Quintana is expected to report to Spring Training 2026 with the Rockies.

The players

Jose Quintana

A 37-year-old left-handed pitcher who has spent 14 seasons in the major leagues, most recently with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Colorado Rockies

A professional baseball team based in Denver, Colorado, that plays in the National League West division of Major League Baseball.

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What they’re saying

“Veteran Jose Quintana is in agreement with the Colorado Rockies, sources tell ESPN. The 37 year old is back for his 15th big league season. The deal is pending a physical.”

— Jesse Rogers, ESPN Reporter (ESPN)

What’s next

Once Quintana passes his physical, the deal will become official and he will report to Spring Training with the Rockies.

The takeaway

The Rockies' signing of veteran pitcher Jose Quintana represents a pragmatic move to add stability and leadership to their starting rotation as they look to rebound from a disappointing 2025 season. Quintana's proven track record of durability and reliability could prove invaluable for a Rockies team seeking to build a more consistent pitching staff.