Mets pad bullpen with deal for LHP Minter (source)

Known to be in the market for bullpen help, the Mets agreed on Friday with left-hander A.J. Minter 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.