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José Quintana
José Quintana on the pitcher's mound, March 17, 2024 - 00001 (cropped).jpg
Quintana with the Mets in 2024
Milwaukee Brewers – No. 62
Pitcher
Born: (1989-01-24) January 24, 1989 (age 36)
Arjona, Bolívar, Colombia
Bats: Right Throws: Left
debut
May 7, 2012, for the Chicago White Sox
MLB statistics
(through July 26, 2025)
Win–loss record 109–107
Earned run average 3.73
Strikeouts 1,782
Teams
Career highlights and awards

José Guillermo Quintana (born January 24, 1989) is a professional baseball pitcher from Colombia. He plays for the Milwaukee Brewers in Major League Baseball (MLB). José has also played for many other MLB teams. These include the Chicago White Sox, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Angels, San Francisco Giants, Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals, and New York Mets.

Quintana started his baseball journey in Minor League Baseball. He played for teams connected to the Mets and Yankees. He then signed with the White Sox before the 2012 season. José made his big league debut in 2012. He was chosen as an All-Star in 2016. After playing for several teams, he joined the Brewers for the 2025 season.

José Quintana's Baseball Journey

Starting in the Minor Leagues (2006–2011)

José Quintana began his professional career in 2006. He signed with the New York Mets as a young player from another country. He started playing in the Venezuelan Summer League. In 2007, he faced a suspension for a rule violation.

Quintana later signed with the New York Yankees in 2008. He played in the Dominican Summer League for two years. In 2010, he moved up to play for teams like the Charleston RiverDogs. By 2011, he had a great season with the Tampa Yankees. He won 10 games and had a low earned run average (ERA) of 2.91. After this, he became a free agent.

Playing for the Chicago White Sox (2012–2017)

José Quintana on July 30, 2012
Quintana pitching for the White Sox in 2012

The Chicago White Sox noticed Quintana's talent. They signed him in November 2011. He started the 2012 season in Double-A. But soon, he was called up to the major leagues on May 7, 2012. He made his MLB debut in a doubleheader game. He pitched well, not allowing any runs.

A few days later, Quintana earned his first Major League win. This happened on May 25 against the Cleveland Indians. In his first year, he played in 25 games and had a 6–6 record with a 3.76 ERA.

In 2013, Quintana pitched 200 innings in 33 games. He had a 9–7 record and a 3.51 ERA. The White Sox signed him to a five-year contract extension in 2014. He continued to pitch well, with ERAs around 3.30 in 2014 and 2015.

In 2016, Quintana was named an All-Star. He finished the season with a 13–12 record and a 3.20 ERA. He was even considered for the American League Cy Young Award. The White Sox chose him to be their Opening Day starting pitcher for the 2017 season.

Time with the Chicago Cubs (2017–2020)

Jose Quintana (48537209157) (cropped)
Quintana with the Cubs in 2019

On July 13, 2017, the White Sox traded Quintana to the Chicago Cubs. He made a strong first start for the Cubs, striking out 12 batters. He finished 2017 with an 11–11 record and a 4.15 ERA between both teams.

In 2018, Quintana had a 13–11 record and a 4.03 ERA for the Cubs. He started a special tie-breaker game against the Milwaukee Brewers. The Cubs kept him for the 2019 season. In August 2019, he had a great month with a 4–1 record and a 2.02 ERA. He finished 2019 with a 13–9 record.

In 2020, Quintana had surgery on his thumb. He only pitched 10 innings that season.

Moving to Other Teams (2021–2022)

White Sox pitcher Jose Quintana talks to reporters at 2016 All-Star Game availability. (28393834022) (cropped)
Quintana at the 2016 MLB All-Star Game

In 2021, Quintana signed with the Los Angeles Angels. He faced some challenges and was placed on the injured list. He later moved to the bullpen. He had an 0–3 record with a 6.75 ERA for the Angels.

Later in 2021, he was claimed by the San Francisco Giants. He made five appearances for them before becoming a free agent.

In 2022, Quintana signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He earned his first win with the Pirates on May 9. He pitched very well in May, with a 2.00 ERA.

Joining the St. Louis Cardinals (2022)

On July 29, 2022, the Pirates traded Quintana to the St. Louis Cardinals. He had a 3.50 ERA at the time of the trade. He made his Cardinals debut on August 4. He pitched six innings, allowing only one run.

Quintana had a fantastic September in 2022. He had a very low 0.89 ERA in five starts. For the entire 2022 season, he finished with a career-best 2.93 ERA. He also started Game 1 of the Wild Card Series for the Cardinals. He pitched over five scoreless innings in that game.

Playing for the New York Mets (2023–2024)

On December 9, 2022, Quintana signed a two-year contract with the New York Mets. However, he suffered a stress fracture in his rib during spring training. This injury kept him out until July 2023. He returned on July 14 and made his season debut on July 20. In 2023, he made 13 starts, with a 3–6 record and a 3.57 ERA.

Quintana was the Mets' Opening Day starting pitcher in 2024. On September 7, he earned his 100th career win against the Cincinnati Reds. This made him the first pitcher from Colombia to reach this milestone. He finished his 2024 season with a 10–10 record and a 3.75 ERA.

In the 2024 NL Wild Card Series against the Brewers, Quintana started the important Game 3. He pitched six scoreless innings, helping the Mets advance in the playoffs. He made three starts in the 2024 MLB postseason.

With the Milwaukee Brewers (2025–present)

On March 5, 2025, Quintana signed a one-year contract with the Milwaukee Brewers. On April 11, in his first start as a Brewer, Quintana achieved a special milestone. He became the 24th pitcher in MLB history to earn a win against all 30 teams. He joined a small group of active pitchers who have done this.

International Baseball

Quintana has proudly represented the Colombia national baseball team. He pitched for Colombia in the 2017 World Baseball Classic. He was also expected to play in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. However, he had to withdraw due to his rib injury.

Quintana was named to the Colombian team for the 2026 World Baseball Classic qualifiers. These games are set for March 2025.

Personal Life

José Quintana and his wife, Michel, live in the Miami area. They have two daughters. Quintana became an American citizen in 2024.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: José Quintana para niños

  • List of Major League Baseball players from Colombia
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