The New York Mets agreed to terms with left-handed reliever A.J. Minter on Friday, landing one of Atlanta's top bullpen arms in the process.
According to reports, Minter's deal with the Mets is a two-year, $22 million contract that includes an opt-out after the 2025 season.
Minter underwent season-ending left hip surgery in September involving a labrum repair, hip impingement and a lesion on the femur. He originally delayed the surgery with a month of rest last season, idling from May until he returned in July.
There was temporarily a positive upturn in results. But Minter walked or allowed a hit to eight of the 16 batters he faced in final three appearances.
"I could still pitch, it wasn't excruciating pain," Minter said in September. "But it was something I knew I needed to get fixed because I wasn't helping the team."
A drop of velocity noted by MLB.com in September from 96.6 mph in 2022 to 95.8 mph in 2023 to 94.5 mph and in the 93s last season might have been a concern for the Braves and other suitors.
"He's done just a tremendous job over the course of his career here," Braves manager Brian Snitker said when the surgery was announced. "Hopefully, he gets back to where he's full bore again."
{{/usCountry}}"He's done just a tremendous job over the course of his career here," Braves manager Brian Snitker said when the surgery was announced. "Hopefully, he gets back to where he's full bore again."
{{/usCountry}}Minter, 31, became one of the Braves' trusted arms and has served as a set-up man and closer. He compiled a 3.28 ERA in 348 2/3 innings with 422 strikeouts.
Only Gene Garber and Mark Wohlers had more relief appearances in Braves' history than Minter .
His career-high of 15 saves came in 2018 and he was part of the top-heavy 2015 draft by the Braves that included Austin Riley and Mike Soroka.
Field Level Media
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