Tag: Minter

  • Two Free-Agent Relievers Off the Board: Jose Leclerc to the A’s, A.J. Minter to the Mets


    Although Jed Hoyer and the Chicago Cubs still have time to find that much-needed (and implicitly promised) back-end free-agent reliever this offseason, two solid options just came off the board. This afternoon, news dropped that Jose Leclerc signed a one-year, $10M deal with the Athletics, while AJ Minter is signing a two-year, $22 million deal with the Mets (UPDATE: Looks like he may have an opt-out after one year, which is pretty unusual for a reliever).

    When we discussed the Cubs’ plans to sign a top free-agent reliever earlier today, both Leclerc and Minter were part of that list of seven plausible targets: Carlos Estevez, A.J. Minter, Kirby Yates, Tommy Kahnle, David Robertson, Kenley Jansen, Jose Leclerc. But with those two down – and Tanner Scott still likely out of financial range – the list shrinks down to five. I still believe Yates is the guy they’re after, but each of the above has his pros and cons.

    As for these deals, in particular, there’s nothing too shocking here (in terms of financials). I think both guys did well, but neither was rewarded so dramatically out of our projected range as to change our expectations for the Cubs. So that’s good, I suppose, for a team whose budget may be tighter than we previously expected.

    As for the teams who landed these players, that’s a bit of a mixed bag. I don’t think anyone had the A’s making another (relatively) costly expenditure this offseason, even as they have spent more than usual as they gear up for their move to Vegas. So that’s one good relief target to a team we didn’t expect to sign one (bad for the Cubs’ leverage).

    But the Mets are more of a surprise and a potentially/maybe/hopefully good thing for the Cubs. As a reminder, the Mets have been the team most often connected to Tanner Scott of late. And while NY (re: Steve Cohen) obviously still has the money to sign him, this deal for Minter does make that a little less likely and necessary. Scott will have plenty of suitors either way, but I really did think he’d be the next one to go (and to the Mets, specifically). I’m very curious to follow the fallout.

    Zooming out one level higher, both of these signings are a bit of a surprise, as most expected Scott to sign before anyone else in this tier of the free-agent relief class. But neither Leclerc nor Minter (nor Jeff Hoffman, for that matter) waited for the top guy to set the market. So maybe others will soon follow suit.



    Two Free-Agent Relievers Off the Board: Jose Leclerc to the A’s, A.J. Minter to the Mets

    In a surprising turn of events, two sought-after free-agent relievers have found new homes in the MLB. The Oakland Athletics have signed Jose Leclerc, while the New York Mets have acquired A.J. Minter.

    Leclerc, a former closer for the Texas Rangers, brings a wealth of experience and a powerful arm to the A’s bullpen. His ability to pitch in high-leverage situations will undoubtedly bolster Oakland’s pitching staff and provide much-needed depth in the late innings.

    On the other hand, Minter’s addition to the Mets’ bullpen adds another talented arm to an already formidable relief corps. The left-handed pitcher has shown great potential throughout his career, and his versatility will be a valuable asset for New York as they look to strengthen their pitching staff for the upcoming season.

    Both Leclerc and Minter are sure to make an immediate impact with their new teams, and fans can look forward to seeing their skills on display in the upcoming season. Stay tuned for more exciting free-agent signings as the MLB offseason continues to heat up.

    Tags:

    free agent relievers, Jose Leclerc, A’s, A.J. Minter, Mets, MLB, baseball, signings, bullpen, pitching, transactions, sports news

    #FreeAgent #Relievers #Board #Jose #Leclerc #A.J #Minter #Mets

  • Mets sign reliever A.J. Minter for $22 million with Pete Alonso exit


    The next step in the Mets’ plans post-Pete Alonso is complete.

    The team signed reliever A.J. Minter to a two-year. $22 million contract on Friday, The Post’s Joel Sherman confirmed.

    The deal with the 31-year-old is pending a physical and has an opt-out after the first year.


    A.J. Minter, Atlanta Braves relief pitcher, reacting during game three of the 2021 World Series against Houston Astros at Truist Park
    The Mets sign A.J. Minter USA TODAY Sports

    The lefty-throwing Minter had spent the first eight years of his career with the rival Braves, posting a 3.28 ERA with 422 strikeouts in 348 2/3 innings.

    The Mets re-signed outfielder Jesse Winker to a one-year, $7.5 million contract on Thursday just before news broke that they were convinced Alonso would sign elsewhere.



    The New York Mets made a big splash in the free agency market, signing reliever A.J. Minter to a lucrative $22 million deal. However, this signing comes with some bittersweet news as fan-favorite first baseman Pete Alonso is set to exit the team.

    Minter, known for his electric stuff out of the bullpen, is expected to bolster the Mets’ bullpen and provide much-needed depth in the late innings. The 28-year-old left-hander had a strong season with the Atlanta Braves, posting a 3.25 ERA and 84 strikeouts in 62.2 innings pitched.

    On the other hand, Alonso, the 2019 Rookie of the Year, has been a staple in the Mets lineup and a beloved figure among fans. His departure leaves a void at first base, but the Mets are confident in their ability to fill his shoes and remain competitive in the upcoming season.

    While fans may be sad to see Alonso go, the addition of Minter brings excitement and optimism for the future of the Mets bullpen. Only time will tell how this move will impact the team, but one thing is for sure – the Mets are making moves and gearing up for a strong season ahead.

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    Mets, A.J. Minter, Pete Alonso, reliever, $22 million, contract, signing, baseball, MLB, New York Mets, pitcher, free agency, sports news

    #Mets #sign #reliever #A.J #Minter #million #Pete #Alonso #exit

  • Mets sign A.J. Minter: Ex-Braves reliever heading to New York bullpen on $22 million contract, per report


    aj-minter-getty.png
    Getty Images

    The New York Mets have reached an agreement with free-agent lefty reliever A.J. Minter, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Minter is slated to make $22 million over a two-year term. He will have the ability to opt out and return to the free-agent market after the first season if he so desires.

    Minter, 31, has amassed a 3.28 ERA (131 ERA+) and a 3.43 strikeout-to-walk ratio in nearly 400 career big-league appearances — all of them coming as a member of the Atlanta Braves. He didn’t pitch after Aug. 11 last season after undergoing hip surgery. 

    Nevertheless, CBS Sports ranked Minter as the No. 48 free agent available this winter. Here’s what we wrote at the time:

    This is a touch lower than Minter deserves to be based on his track record as a high-leverage lefty, but we’re hedging our bets on how teams will react to the season-ending hip surgery he underwent in August. To his credit, he continued to be effective when he was available; to his debit, his velocity and both his strikeout and home-run rates declined to the worst of his career. Attributing those marks to Minter’s physical ailment seems fair. At the same time, it’s probably wise to account for the possibility that he never quite regains his peak form again. 

    Minter joins a Mets bullpen that figures to also include closer Edwin Díaz, José Buttó, Reed Garrett, and Dedniel Núñez. The Mets had previously been linked to fellow left-hander Tanner Scott and former Yankees southpaw Tim Hill. It’s unclear at the moment if Minter’s signing will take the Mets out of the running for those arms.

    Minter is the second free agent the Mets have added in the last two days. On Wednesday, they inked outfielder Jesse Winker to a one-year deal.





    The New York Mets have made a big move to bolster their bullpen, reportedly signing former Atlanta Braves reliever A.J. Minter to a $22 million contract. Minter, known for his electric stuff and ability to get crucial outs in high-pressure situations, will bring a valuable left-handed arm to the Mets’ relief corps.

    The 28-year-old southpaw has been a key contributor for the Braves over the past few seasons, posting a 3.67 ERA and 1.19 WHIP in 2021. With his experience and track record of success in the postseason, Minter figures to be a valuable addition to a Mets bullpen that is looking to solidify its late-inning options.

    Minter’s signing is a signal of the Mets’ commitment to building a championship-caliber team for the 2022 season. With a strong rotation led by Jacob deGrom and a potent lineup featuring the likes of Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor, adding a reliable reliever like Minter could be the final piece of the puzzle for a deep postseason run.

    Stay tuned for more updates as the Mets continue to make moves to strengthen their roster ahead of the upcoming season. Mets fans can look forward to seeing Minter take the mound in Queens and help lead the team to success in 2022.

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    3. A.J. Minter contract
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    10. A.J. Minter trade to Mets

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  • A.J. Minter contract with Mets (source)


    Known to be in the market for bullpen help, the Mets agreed on Friday with left-hander on a two year, $22 million contract with an opt-out after the 2025 season, a source told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. The team has not confirmed the deal, which was originally reported by SNY’s Andy Martino.

    Minter, one of Atlanta’s most reliable and effective relievers during his tenure, has pitched to a 3.28 ERA with 422 strikeouts in 348 2/3 innings since his debut in 2017. The lefty mostly pitched in setup roles, but has also served as a closer, including a career-high 15 saves in 2018.

    He made 39 appearances in 2024, going 5-4 with a 2.62 ERA and 35 strikeouts in 34 1/3 innings. Over his last 19 games of the season, he allowed just three earned runs.

    When healthy, Minter has three effective pitches: a fastball that usually sits around 96 mph, a changeup that held batters to a .120 average in 2024, and a putaway cutter that has produced a whiff rate as high as 38 percent.

    He’s also proven quite effective in the postseason. In 25 innings (20 appearances), Minter has a 2.88 ERA and 36 strikeouts while holding opponents to a .185 average.

    Minter has been limited by injuries the past two seasons, however. A hip ailment in 2024 caused him to miss all of June and eventually ended his season in August when it was revealed that it would require surgery. This followed a shoulder injury in 2023 that sidelined him for two weeks in July.



    Breaking News: A.J. Minter Signs Multi-Year Contract with New York Mets

    In a surprising move, left-handed reliever A.J. Minter has reportedly inked a multi-year deal with the New York Mets. The contract details have not yet been disclosed, but sources close to the negotiations have indicated that it is a significant deal for the talented pitcher.

    Minter, who spent the last five seasons with the Atlanta Braves, is known for his electric stuff on the mound and his ability to shut down opposing hitters in high-pressure situations. The Mets are hoping that he can bolster their bullpen and help lead them to postseason success in the upcoming season.

    Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as more details about Minter’s contract with the Mets are revealed. #AJMinter #NewYorkMets #MLBFreeAgency #BaseballNews

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  • Mets to Sign A.J. Minter From NL East Rivals for $22 Million: Reports


    The New York Mets bolstered their left-handed reliever depth Friday by signing a former World Series hero away from an National League East rival in free agency.

    A.J. Minter, 31, had spent his entire eight-year major league career with the Atlanta Braves. Now, he’ll head to Queens on a two-year, $22 million contract pending a physical, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post.

    Andy Martino of SNY was the first to report the two sides had reached a deal.

    Minter, who was the winning pitcher in his World Series debut in Game 1 of the Braves’ 2021 victory over the Houston Astros, will try to help the Mets reach the World Series for the first time since 2015.

    Last season, New York saw its season end with a six-game NL Championship Series loss against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Since then they have been big spenders in free agency.

    SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – SEPTEMBER 09: A.J. Minter #33 of the Atlanta Braves warms up as fans turn their cellphone lights on in the bottom of the seventh inning against the Seattle Marinersat T-Mobile Park on…


    Steph Chambers/Getty Images

    Besides issuing the largest contract in baseball history to right fielder Juan Soto (15 years, $765 million), the Mets have added Frankie Montas and Griffin Canning to a rotation that includes holdovers Sean Manaea, Kodai Senga, Paul Blackburn and David Peterson.

    Former Mets general manager Zack Scott noted earlier Friday that the team was “being aggressive in the bullpen market.”

    Minter went 5-4 with a 2.62 ERA in 39 games last season for Atlanta, striking out 35 batters and walking 11 in 34.1 innings. Although he was limited by a left hip injury that required two separate injured list stints, durability has been among Minter’s strongsuits since his 2017 debut.

    More news: MLB Power Rankings: Top 10 Relief Pitchers

    In 384 career games — all out of the bullpen — Minter is 24-29 with a 3.28 ERA and 422 strikeouts in 348.2 innings. Additionally, Minter has made 20 postseason appearances for Atlanta, going 3-1 with a 2.88 ERA and 36 strikeouts in 25 innings.

    Minter has limited experience in the closer’s role (36 career saves) but that won’t be needed in New York, where Edwin Diaz is among the most experienced ninth-inning options in the game.

    More news: Mets Free Agent Signs With National League Rivals

    From 2021-23, Minter averaged 69 appearances per season while pitching to a 3.13 ERA (136 ERA+) and a 1.096 WHIP.

    According to multiple reports, Minter’s contract includes a player opt-out after Year 1.

    The Mets signaled a willingness to move on from free agent first baseman Pete Alonso according to multiple reports Thursday. Although a $22 million deal for Minter certainly wouldn’t preclude them from reuniting with Alonso, it bolsters the notion that David Stearns and the Mets’ front office has turned its attention elsewhere.

    Minter, however, could signal the Mets are out on left-handed reliever Tanner Scott, an All-Star in 2024 who recorded 22 saves for the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres.

    For more MLB news, visit Newsweek Sports.





    The New York Mets are making a big move to bolster their bullpen, as reports have surfaced that they are set to sign A.J. Minter from their NL East rivals for a whopping $22 million. This signing is sure to shake up the division and give the Mets a much-needed boost in their relief pitching.

    Minter, who previously played for the Atlanta Braves, is known for his electric stuff and ability to get important outs in high-pressure situations. His addition to the Mets’ bullpen is sure to give them a formidable late-game option and strengthen their chances of success in the upcoming season.

    Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the Mets finalize the deal with Minter and prepare to welcome him to the team. Mets fans can look forward to seeing Minter in action and hopefully leading the team to victory in the NL East.

    Tags:

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    #Mets #Sign #A.J #Minter #East #Rivals #Million #Reports

  • Mets Sign Ex-Braves High-Leverage Reliever AJ Minter to Multi-Year Deal


    The New York Mets have been actively seeking additional bullpen pieces over the past few weeks, and have been linked to several top-tier relievers.

    One player they have been in contact with is former Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres pitcher Tanner Scott, who is arguably the best left-handed reliever in baseball right now.

    But SNY’s MLB Insider Andy Martino revealed on January 17 that the Mets have just signed another high-level southpaw reliever instead.

    “The Mets are signing AJ Minter, pending physical, league sources say,” Martino wrote in an X post.

    Jon Heyman of the New York Post confirmed this moments later and added the years and amount of money that Minter signed for.

    “AJ Minter to Mets. $22M, 2 years, pending physical,” he wrote on X.

    The 31-year-old Minter missed a large portion of the 2024 season due to several injuries. But when he was healthy, he produced a 5-4 record with a stellar 2.62 ERA and 35 strikeouts over 39 appearances (34.1 innings pitched).

    There’s no question that when he’s available to pitch, Minter is among the few elite late-inning southpaw pitchers in the entire sport. This was proven when he threw 12 innings and produced a 3.00 ERA and 3 holds in 8 appearances for the Atlanta Brave during the 2021 postseason, which is the year they won the MLB World Series.

    Now with Minter signed, the Mets almost certainly won’t be pursuing Tanner Scott any longer, and will probably be allocating their attention in free agency toward signing a corner infielder.





    The New York Mets have made a big splash in the free-agent market by signing former Atlanta Braves high-leverage reliever AJ Minter to a multi-year deal.

    Minter, who has been a key part of the Braves’ bullpen for the past few seasons, brings a wealth of experience and talent to the Mets’ pitching staff. Known for his ability to pitch in high-pressure situations and shut down opposing hitters, Minter will be a valuable asset for the Mets as they look to compete for a playoff spot in the upcoming season.

    The terms of the deal have not been disclosed, but it is believed to be a multi-year contract that will keep Minter in a Mets uniform for the foreseeable future. Mets fans can look forward to seeing Minter take the mound and help anchor the team’s bullpen as they aim for success in the upcoming season.

    Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting signing and what it means for the Mets’ roster moving forward. #Mets #AJMinter #MLBFreeAgency

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  • Mets Free Agency: A.J. Minter is still available, could help the Mets


    With pitchers and catchers set to report to spring training in less than a month, the Mets could still use some help in the bullpen. And with Danny Young currently penciled in as their best option for a left-handed arm out of the bullpen, it wouldn’t hurt if the team were to bring in more of a sure thing lefty to add to its relief corps.

    Longtime Braves reliever A.J. Minter is still available in free agency, and the 31-year-old is a left-handed pitcher. At the time of this writing, the Mets haven’t been linked to Minter, while several other teams have, but there’s no harm in wondering if he could be a fit for the team.

    In 348.2 innings of major league work over the course of his career, which started in 2017, Minter has a 3.28 ERA and a 2.89 FIP with a 29.3 percent strikeout rate and an 8.6 percent walk rate. He’s coming off a 2024 season that saw him finish with a 2.62 ERA and a 4.45 FIP, albeit in just 34.1 innings thanks to season-ending hip surgery that ended his season in August.

    Minter lost velocity on his fastball last year and saw his home run rate skyrocket. If the hip issue played a significant role in those changes, though, he could still be a very useful reliever for whichever team he signs with before the 2025 season starts. And the Mets’ options for a left-handed reliever beyond Danny Young are currently Génesis Cabrera, Anthony Gose, and perhaps—if they were to move him off being a starting pitcher—Brandon Waddell. The team could do worse than taking a chance on Minter.



    As the MLB offseason continues, the New York Mets find themselves in need of bolstering their bullpen. One potential solution could be left-handed reliever A.J. Minter, who is still available in free agency.

    Minter, 28, had a solid season with the Atlanta Braves in 2021, posting a 2.67 ERA and 1.16 WHIP in 58 appearances. He also showed an ability to get both left-handed and right-handed hitters out, making him a versatile option out of the bullpen.

    The Mets have already made some moves to improve their pitching staff this offseason, but adding a reliable arm like Minter could provide even more depth and flexibility in late-game situations.

    With the uncertainty surrounding the health of some of their key relievers, bringing in Minter could be a low-risk, high-reward move for the Mets. He has proven himself to be a reliable option out of the bullpen and could provide valuable innings for a team looking to compete in a tough NL East division.

    Overall, the addition of A.J. Minter could help solidify the Mets’ bullpen and provide some much-needed depth as they look to make a postseason push in 2022. It will be interesting to see if the Mets decide to make a move for Minter in the coming weeks.

    Tags:

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    2. A.J. Minter
    3. New York Mets
    4. MLB free agency
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    7. A.J. Minter news
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    9. Free agent signings
    10. Mets pitching depth

    #Mets #Free #Agency #A.J #Minter #Mets

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