NEW YORK — The New York Mets have secured a two-year deal worth $22 million with left-handed pitcher A.J. Minter. The agreement was finalized on Thursday, and it includes an opt-out clause that allows Minter to pursue free agency after the 2025 World Series.
Minter, now 31, is recovering from left hip surgery, having spent his entire eight-season major league career with the Atlanta Braves, a fellow team in the National League East. Throughout his career, he has compiled a record of 24 wins and 29 losses, achieving a 3.28 ERA and accumulating 36 saves over the course of 384 games, all in relief.
In the last season, Minter recorded a 5-4 record, a 2.62 ERA, and one save across 39 games, totaling 34 1/3 innings where he struck out 35 batters while allowing 11 walks. Unfortunately, his season came to an early end due to surgery in August, where Dr. Thomas Byrd discovered a torn labrum, a hip impingement, and a lesion on Minter’s femur. The surgical fix required a microfracture procedure on his hip.
This previous season was challenging for Minter as he battled left hip inflammation, which kept him out from May 30 to June 30. Additionally, he faced shoulder issues that sidelined him for two weeks in July 2023. Despite these setbacks, Minter has proven to be a consistent and formidable option as a reliever, amassing 422 strikeouts over 348 2/3 innings throughout his career. His standout performance of 15 saves came in 2018, while he collected 10 saves this past season.
Minter was a pivotal part of Atlanta’s strong bullpen that played a significant role in their 2021 World Series victory. His postseason experience includes a commendable record of 3 wins, 1 loss, with a 2.88 ERA and 36 strikeouts over 25 innings spanning 20 playoff games.
The Mets have been active this offseason, making several free-agent acquisitions to strengthen their starting rotation, including signing Sean Manaea, Frankie Montas, Griffin Canning, and former All-Star closer Clay Holmes. However, the bullpen still requires attention, and the addition of Minter will provide manager Carlos Mendoza with a reliable left-handed option in late-game situations to support star closer Edwin Díaz. This was a crucial element that New York lacked during their unexpected journey to the National League Championship Series last year.
In a separate move, the Mets also re-signed outfielder and designated hitter Jesse Winker with a one-year contract valued at $7.5 million. The addition of Minter and Winker raises questions about the future of All-Star slugger and fan favorite Pete Alonso. With owner Steve Cohen and baseball operations president David Stearns reallocating resources, it appears that Alonso may not return to the team.
Winker’s contract stipulates a $1 million signing bonus with a $6.5 million base salary, along with opportunities to earn up to $1.5 million in performance bonuses based on plate appearances. These bonuses include $250,000 for reaching 350 plate appearances, $500,000 for 400 and 450, as well as $250,000 at 500. Additionally, there are performance bonuses for awards such as $50,000 for winning MVP, $25,000 for second place, and $10,000 for third place in the voting. Winker will also receive $50,000 for appearances on the All-Star team or achievements such as winning a Gold Glove, Silver Slugger, or being named MVP of the League Championship Series.
