José Quintana knew he still had the juice.

Following a tumultuous two-year stretch, Quintana has embarked upon a second act of sorts in Pittsburgh. He’s back in a starting role. He’s back to putting up zeros. In a clubhouse defined by youth, Quintana has been a willing mentor. Given where he was, he can’t help but appreciate where he stands.

“I’m really happy,” Quintana said. “It’s really fun when you find your best position to be successful. It’s like, baseball’s going to be fun again, you know?”

Quintana exudes an air of appreciation when discussing these last couple months. Not far removed from his career being at a crossroads, he doesn’t take his situation for granted.

Quintana entered the offseason wondering what was next. In 2020, he pitched just 10 innings, undergoing surgery to repair a lacerated nerve in his left thumb that he induced while washing dishes. The next season was, by his own assessment, the worst of his career. He oscillated between starting and relieving after signing with the Angels. He was claimed off waivers by the Giants, only to be designated for assignment a month later.

This was the nadir of Quintana’s career. He was left wondering what was next.

Quintana knew he had more to offer, that he could still be an effective Major League pitcher. He also knew there were tweaks to be made.

Once last season ended, he needed to get in some work. In 2020 and '21, Quintana threw 73 total innings. He wasn’t used to that kind of workload, or lack thereof, after averaging 186 innings in the first seven years of his career. He also needed to find his confidence, to erase the taste from the last two seasons. With this in mind, he headed to the Dominican Republic for winter ball.

“I said, 'You know what?' The season is over. It's time to work. It's time to fix it, go there and get my confidence up.”

Quintana entered the offseason seeking just a Minor League contract. He understood the business side of baseball, where he stood in the ecosystem. Regardless of how the deal looked, he wanted to start. He wasn’t concerned about money. Some teams extended offers, but wanted him as a reliever, a role he didn’t desire. He found what he was looking for in Pittsburgh.

Prior to the lockout, Quintana and the Pirates agreed to a one-year, $2 million deal. He’d have his chance to start. Two-and-a-half months in, he’s looking like his old self.

Through 12 starts, Quintana has a 3.53 ERA and 3.62 FIP. He’s adapted his repertoire, throwing his changeup more than ever. He’s generating more soft contact than ever. He’s sprinkled in a couple vintage performances. Nine strikeouts against the Brewers. Six shutout innings against the Dodgers to record his first win since 2019. Seven shutout innings against the Reds -- a performance that came on the day he celebrated 10 years of service time.

“My body’s really healthy. All my effort in the offseason is paying off,” Quintana said.

Quintana’s value to the Pirates extends beyond his left arm. He’s isn’t quite the oldest player on the roster, but he’s unquestionably the most experienced. He’s seen just about everything. For a young team, one that seems to get younger by the week, Quintana has been invaluable.

"He shares so much of his knowledge and wisdom with us,” said Roansy Contreras through team interpreter Mike Gonzalez. “Anything that he sees that he thinks we could adjust or do better or amplify, he makes it aware to us in a very approachable way and a very genuine way.”

Added Zach Thompson: “We’re able to talk to him, and he wants to talk to us. He wants to teach us. Anytime we have a question, we can always go to him. He’s always there to help.”

Quintana enjoys in the role of Pittsburgh’s elder statesman. He had a couple vets in his corner as he came up: Jake Peavy. Chris Sale. Jon Lester. He remembers being in a young player’s shoes, and he wants to be in their corner when they need it.

“A bunch of guys, they want to know how they can be consistent every day,” Quintana said. “They’re enjoying this moment. They’re playing against guys like Albert Pujols, guys they saw on TV. I felt that moment before. I feel like the right way to do great things here is help each other.”

How long Quintana remains in Pittsburgh remains to be seen. Considering where the Pirates stand, he’s a candidate to be traded. Of this reality, he’s aware. But regardless of what unfolds in the following months, Quintana has found stability. He has reaffirmed his worth to the baseball world. Whether it be with his arm or mind, Quintana still has the juice.