Mets Sign A.J. Minter to $22M Deal Amid Bullpen Overhaul

NEW YORK — The New York Mets have agreed to a two-year, $22 million contract with left-handed reliever A.J. Minter, pending a physical, according to reports. The deal includes an opt-out clause after the first year, giving the 31-year-old pitcher flexibility as he transitions to a new team.

Minter, a longtime Atlanta Braves reliever, spent his entire major league career with the Braves before entering free agency this offseason. Over his seven-year career, he has posted a 3.28 ERA and a 2.89 FIP in 348.2 innings, with a 29.3% strikeout rate and an 8.6% walk rate. However, his 2024 season was cut short in August due to hip surgery, limiting him to just 34.1 innings with a 2.62 ERA and a concerning 4.45 FIP.

“If the hip issue played a significant role in his performance last year, he could still be a very useful reliever,” said a source familiar with the Mets’ decision-making process. The team is banking on Minter’s recovery and his proven track record in high-leverage situations.

The Mets, who are retooling their bullpen after a disappointing 2024 campaign, currently lack reliable left-handed options. Danny Young, Génesis Cabrera, and Anthony Gose are among the internal candidates, but none offer the same level of experience as Minter. The signing signals the Mets’ urgency to address their bullpen woes ahead of the 2025 season.

Minter’s addition comes on the heels of the Mets’ recent acquisition of outfielder Jesse Winker, further indicating the team’s shift in focus toward bolstering its roster for the future. However, the hefty investment in Minter has raised questions about the Mets’ long-term plans, particularly regarding first baseman Pete Alonso, who remains unsigned beyond 2024.

“This money plus Winker yesterday is almost $20 million spent on 2025,” noted one analyst. “It seems the Mets are pivoting from Alonso and focusing on other areas of need.”

Minter, represented by The Bledsoe Agency, is expected to join the Mets in spring training next month, where he will aim to prove his health and effectiveness. For the Mets, the signing represents a calculated gamble on a veteran arm with a history of success in the National League East.