The New York Mets have made a significant move to bolster their bullpen by signing left-handed reliever A.J. Minter to a two-year deal worth $87.3 million. This contract includes a player opt-out after the first year, giving Minter some flexibility while providing the Mets with a reliable left-handed option for their relief corps. The acquisition of Minter is seen as a critical addition for the upcoming season, as the 31-year-old brings both experience and effectiveness to a Mets bullpen that is looking to improve its depth and stability.

Minter’s Role in the Mets Bullpen

Minter is expected to slot in as the number one left-handed option out of the bullpen, a role that has been a priority for the Mets this offseason. With his strong track record and ability to handle high-leverage situations, Minter has the potential to serve as a legitimate setup man for closer Edwin Diaz. This combination could give the Mets one of the more formidable late-inning duos in the league.

Over his career, Minter has established himself as a reliable and consistent reliever. Last season, he posted a 2.56 ERA with a 1.05 WHIP over 64 appearances, showcasing his ability to keep hitters off balance with his mix of a blazing fastball and a sharp cutter. His strikeout rate of 11.2 K/9 further underscores his capacity to dominate hitters, particularly in clutch moments. As a left-handed reliever, Minter also provides the Mets with a crucial weapon against left-handed hitters, holding them to a .198 batting average last season.

Addressing a Key Need

The signing of Minter addresses a glaring need for the Mets, who lacked a dependable left-handed reliever in their bullpen during the 2024 season. While David Peterson occasionally filled a bullpen role, his inconsistency and preference as a starter left the team searching for a more stable solution. Minter’s addition not only fills that void but also provides manager Buck Showalter with greater flexibility in deploying his bullpen, particularly in late-game matchups against tough left-handed hitters.

The Mets were rumored to have considered other options to fill this role, including Tanner Scott. However, according to a recent report by the New York Post’s Mike Puma, the team is unlikely to pursue Scott at this point. Scott, who had an impressive season with the Miami Marlins, was seen as a potential target but may have been deemed less appealing due to financial demands or other considerations. By securing Minter, the Mets have effectively addressed their need without overextending themselves in the market.

The Importance of a Strong Bullpen

A strong bullpen is often the backbone of any successful team, particularly for a club like the Mets, which has playoff aspirations. The addition of Minter not only strengthens the overall bullpen but also reduces the pressure on other relievers. With Edwin Diaz anchoring the closer role and Minter serving as a setup man, the Mets can better manage the workload of their pitching staff throughout the grueling 162-game season.

This move also reflects the front office’s commitment to surrounding their core players with the necessary pieces to contend. Following a disappointing 2024 campaign, the Mets have been active in addressing weaknesses, and the acquisition of Minter is a clear example of their intention to improve in all facets of the game.

Potential Impact for 2025

 

As the Mets head into the 2025 season, Minter’s presence in the bullpen could be a game-changer. His ability to handle high-pressure situations and neutralize left-handed hitters will be invaluable in close games, particularly against division rivals like the Braves and Phillies, who feature several dangerous left-handed bats.

The two-year contract, while substantial, reflects the team’s belief in Minter’s ability to deliver immediate results. The inclusion of the player opt-out after the first year adds an interesting wrinkle, as Minter will have the opportunity to reassess his market value depending on his performance. For the Mets, the deal provides both short-term security and long-term flexibility.

Final Thoughts

The signing of A.J. Minter is a bold and calculated move by the Mets. By addressing a key area of need and securing one of the best left-handed relievers on the market, the team has taken a significant step toward building a more competitive roster. As the 2025 season approaches, Mets fans can look forward to seeing Minter play a pivotal role in the team’s pursuit of success. With a revamped bullpen and heightened expectations, the Mets are positioning themselves as serious contenders in the National League.

Current 2025 Mets Bullpen, including projected ERA for 2025

– Edwin Diaz (R), Closer | 2.91 ERA
– A.J. Minter (L), Setup Man | 3.45 ERA
– José Butto (R) | 3.86 ERA
– Danny Young (L) | 3.56 ERA
– Reed Garrett (R) | 3.42 ERA
– Sean Reid Foley (R) | 3.75 ERA
– Griffin Canning (R), Long Reliever | 4.07 ERA

As of right now, this is a very solid bullpen that has a ton of experience. David Stearns is the one guy in all of baseball where you can trust almost every move regarding pitching, especially when it comes to the bullpen.