A lot of attention is being devoted to the Braves outfield and rotation, but the bullpen is potentially losing two high-leverage relievers with Joe Jimenez’s surgery and A.J. Minter’s free agency.
Jimenez could rejoin the club down the stretch, but as I say all the time, hope is not a strategy. Minter, on the other hand, hits free agency after ending the season on the injured list following hip surgery.
Despite the surgery, the veteran reliever is garnering a lot of interest at the Winter Meetings. Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports that the Braves want to bring him back to Atlanta, but they’ll have stiff competition, with the Cubs and Rangers also showing interest.
A.J. Minter has put together an impressive career, even overcoming a demotion to Triple-A Gwinnett at one point. The Braves southpaw has become Atlanta’s most reliable reliever since debuting in 2017, recording a 3.28 ERA and 36 saves over 384 games.
Since 2020, Minter has been even better, owning a 2.85 ERA and 1.086 WHIP, and he’s been just as good in the postseason. Minter has made 20 appearances over the years with Atlanta in the playoffs, putting together a 2.88 ERA with 13 strikeouts per nine innings.
In 2024, Minter managed a more-than-solid 2.62 ERA, but his strikeout rate did dip to just 26.1%, and his FIP ballooned up to 4.45. It’s not yet clear whether he will be ready for Opening Day, which will certainly impact his free agency.
He’s from Texas, so the Rangers have to be considered serious suitors, while the Cubs are willing to spend. However, A.J. Minter has said on many occasions that he wants to remain with the Braves. As long as the bidding stays reasonable, you have to like Atlanta’s chances to retain him.
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Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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