Why the Miami Marlins clearly made a mistake choosing Cal Quantrill over Andrew Heaney and Jose Quintana

The Miami Marlins made a calculated move this offseason by signing pitcher Cal Quantrill to a one-year, $3.5 million deal. With a young rotation in danger of being overworked, the front office wisely sought out a veteran innings-eater to shoulder some of the load. But now, as the season unfolds and the Marlins exceed early expectations, that signing looks increasingly like a serious misstep.

Quantrill has filled the role he was brought in for, logging innings, but the results have been disastrous. Through his first four starts, he owns an 8.25 ERA and -0.5 WAR, failing to show any sign of the value Miami hoped to unlock in the seven-year veteran.

Of course, the MLB season is long, and there’s still time for a turnaround. But as the Marlins sit at 9–12, it’s hard not to wonder what might have been. Two other veteran arms, Andrew Heaney and Jose Quintana, were available this offseason, and both are thriving in 2025.

Heaney, signed by the Pirates for one year at $5.25 million, has been a revelation. Over four starts, he’s posted a 2.13 ERA, 0.908 WHIP, and 1.0 WAR, anchoring a rotation for a Pittsburgh team with offensive challenges similar to Miami’s.

Meanwhile, Quintana, now with the Brewers on a one-year, $4 million deal (with a mutual option for 2026), has been equally effective. In just two starts, the 14-year veteran boasts a 0.71 ERA, 0.868 WHIP, and 0.8 WAR.

Both pitchers were realistic, affordable targets for Miami. Instead, the Marlins opted for youth over track record—choosing Quantrill, the least established of the trio, in a gamble that hasn’t paid off.

Perhaps Quantrill will bounce back. Perhaps this will look like a slow start in hindsight. But it’s no surprise that Heaney and Quintana are succeeding—they were simply better, more reliable bets. The Marlins, projected to be one of the worst teams in baseball entering 2025, couldn’t afford to get this signing wrong.

Imagine how different things might look if the Marlins had gotten quality starts from the Quantrill spot. With even a few more competitive outings, it’s realistic to think Miami could be sitting near the .500 mark instead of fighting from behind.

For all that has gone right in South Beach early this season, one thing is clear: the Marlins punted their innings-eater acquisition into the upper deck.