Rockies Sign Veteran Pitcher Jose Quintana to One-Year Deal

Experienced lefty joins Colorado's rotation, bringing stability and mentorship for young arms

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Colorado Rockies have signed 37-year-old left-handed pitcher Jose Quintana to a one-year contract. Quintana, a 14-year MLB veteran, is expected to provide veteran leadership and stability to the Rockies' pitching staff as they develop their younger pitchers. The move, along with the recent signing of Tomoyuki Sugano, signals the Rockies' strategy of blending experienced arms with up-and-coming talent.

Why it matters

As teams across MLB increasingly turn to veteran pitchers to provide innings and guidance, the Rockies' signing of Quintana reflects a broader trend. Experienced starters like Quintana can help manage workloads for younger pitchers while also offering invaluable clubhouse leadership and mentorship. This approach allows the Rockies to build around their youth while benefiting from a veteran presence.

The details

Quintana, who posted a 3.96 ERA in 24 starts for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2025, brings a wealth of experience to the Rockies. Over his 14-year career, the left-hander has compiled a 3.76 ERA across 383 games. The Rockies are hoping Quintana's ground-ball tendencies and ability to consistently eat innings will help him navigate the challenges of pitching at Coors Field. Coupled with the recent signing of Tomoyuki Sugano, the Rockies are creating a rotation that blends established veterans with developing prospects.

  • Quintana agreed to a one-year deal with the Rockies on February 11, 2026.
  • Quintana is set to participate in the upcoming World Baseball Classic as a member of Team Colombia.

The players

Jose Quintana

A 37-year-old left-handed pitcher with 14 years of MLB experience, Quintana has a career 3.76 ERA and is known for his consistency and ability to eat innings.

Kyle Freeland

An experienced starting pitcher for the Rockies who will provide veteran leadership alongside Quintana.

Michael Lorenzen

Another veteran starter in the Rockies' rotation, Lorenzen will work alongside Quintana to mentor the team's younger pitchers.

Tomoyuki Sugano

A recent signing by the Rockies, the Japanese right-hander will join Quintana and the other veterans in the team's pitching staff.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Rockies will be closely monitoring Quintana's performance, particularly his strikeout percentage and Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP), to gauge his effectiveness and potential for continued success in 2026.

The takeaway

The Rockies' signing of Jose Quintana reflects a broader trend in MLB of teams turning to veteran pitchers to provide stability, leadership, and mentorship for younger arms. By blending experienced starters like Quintana and Sugano with their own developing prospects, the Rockies are taking a patient, long-term approach to building a competitive team.