Mets Sign Quintana, Trade for Brooks Raley from Rays

 The Mets remain busy, but they haven't snagged the two big ticket items fans would like them to get. 

While fans are clamoring for the team to bring back center fielder Brandon Nimmo and sign Japanese pitcher Kodai Senga, the Amazin's signed former St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Jose Quintana to a two-year, $26 million contract. 

In a corresponding move, the Mets acquired lefty-specialist Brooks Raley from the Tampa Bay Rays for prospect reliever Keyshawm Askew. 

 Quintana pitched a .2.93 ERA splitting time with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cardinals last season. He owns 89 career wins and 3.75 ERA. His best days came in Chicago with the White Sox. He is a reliable left-handed starter, which is a plus.  He also averages 3.0 strikeouts/per walk. Quintana is on his seventh team, having pitched for the White Sox, Cubs, Angels, Giants, Pirates, and Cardinals. 

He will likely replace Taijuan Walker who signed a four-year $72 million deal with the Philadelphia Phillies. 

Meanwhile Raley is the new lefty specialist out of the bullpen. The 34-year old posted a 2.68 ERA in 60 appearances last year in Tampa Bay. Lefties hit only .166 against him.