New York Mets sign former Braves lefty reliever, A.J. Minter, according to reports
The New York Mets have reached an agreement with free agent AJ Minter, as reported by the New York Post. The deal was finalized for $22 million over a two-year period.
The former Braves left-handed reliever is set to earn this amount due to the lucrative contract offered by the Mets. Additionally, Minter has the option to opt out and re-enter the free-agent market after the first season, should he choose to do so.
The 31-year-old player has achieved a 3.28 ERA (131 ERA+) and a 3.43 strikeout-to-walk ratio in nearly 400 major league appearances, all of which were made while playing for his former team. He missed action after August 11 last season following hip surgery.
Not the only star in the Mets' bullpen
Minter joins a Mets bullpen that already includes closer Edwin Díaz, José Buttó, Reed Garrett, and Dedniel Núñez. The Mets had previously been linked to left-hander Tanner Scott and former Yankees southpaw Tim Hill. It remains unclear whether Minter's signing will rule out their pursuit of these other pitchers.
Some Mets signings for this season
The renowned reliever is the second free agent added by the Mets in the last two days. On Wednesday, they signed outfielder Jesse Winker to a one-year contract.