This continues an early offseason series covering the biggest questions Alex Anthopoulos and the Braves will face this winter. If you missed any of the previous parts to this series, follow the links below.
Will the Braves retain A.J. Minter?
Max Fried headlines the Braves free agent class, but A.J. Minter has been an integral piece to Atlanta’s success for just as long out of the bullpen. Dating back to 2020, he’s appeared in 267 games, recording a 2.85 ERA, 2.84 FIP, 10.8 K/9, and a 151 ERA+ (51% above league average). There have been some hiccups along the way, but for the most part, Minter has been among the best left-handed relievers in the game, one that has also thrived on the biggest stages.
Typically, an arm with that kind of track record would require a pretty penny, but unfortunately for Minter, he enters free agency coming off hip surgery, an injury that affected him the entire season and limited him to just 39 appearances.
Because of that, it’s hard seeing him getting the lengthy and lucrative contract he probably deserves. He’s much more likely to sign a short-term deal, possibly even a one-year contract, one that allows him to prove he’s healthy again and hit free agency next offseason as well.
That’s right up the alley of Alex Anthopoulos. A.J. Minter has said on several occasions that he wants to stay with the organization. Unless a club is willing to overlook the injury and take a gamble by offering him a multi-year contract, this looks like a situation where it’s best for both sides to stay together for at least a little while longer.
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Photo: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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