According to Andy Martino, Braves fan favorite A.J. Minter is signing a free agent deal with the New York Mets.
It is pending a physical, which is notable considering Minter underwent hip surgery that ended his season, but if nothing is flagged, the deal is worth $22 million over two years, per Joel Sherman of The New York Post. Minter can also opt-out after the first year, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
As the Braves continue to remain stagnant this offseason, they’ve watched each of their top free agents sign with other clubs. Max Fried inked a record-breaking deal with the Yankees, which was followed by Charlie Morton’s one-year contract with the Orioles and now Minter to the Mets.
It’s certainly a difficult pill to swallow to see any Braves player sign with a division rival, but Minter especially. However, I wouldn’t have given Minter that deal. A player option has never been Alex Anthopoulos’ M.O., and Atlanta’s GM wasn’t going to start now.
It sucks he signed with the Mets, though. The Texas native has been a staple in Atlanta’s bullpen. Minter has put together an excellent career thus far, even overcoming a demotion to Triple-A Gwinnett at one point on his way to becoming the Braves most reliable reliever.
Since 2020, Minter has been elite, boasting a 2.85 ERA and 1.086 WHIP, and he’s been just as good in the postseason. In 20 appearances over the years with Atlanta in the playoffs, he’s put together a 2.88 ERA with 13 strikeouts per nine innings.
Minter managed a more-than-solid 2.62 ERA this past season, but his strikeout rate dipped to 26.1%, and his FIP ballooned up to 4.45. It’s not yet clear whether he will be ready for Opening Day, which certainly impacted his free agency.
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Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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