Left-hander A.J. Minter has signed a lucrative two-year contract worth $22 million with the New York Mets. The deal includes an opt-out clause for Minter after the 2025 World Series, allowing him to test free agency once again.
Minter, 31, underwent left hip surgery recently and has played his entire eight-year major league career with the Atlanta Braves. During his time with the Braves, he accumulated a record of 24-29 with a 3.28 ERA and 36 saves in 384 relief appearances.
Last season, Minter posted a 5-4 record with a 2.62 ERA and one save in 39 games before his campaign was cut short due to surgery in August. The surgery, performed by Dr. Thomas Byrd in Nashville, Tennessee, revealed a torn labrum, hip impingement, and a femur lesion, necessitating a hip microfracture procedure.
Despite battling injuries, Minter has proven to be a reliable reliever with impressive career statistics, including 422 strikeouts in 348 2/3 innings. He played a crucial role in the Braves' 2021 World Series victory and boasts a postseason record of 3-1 with a 2.88 ERA in 20 appearances.
The Mets' acquisition of Minter bolsters their bullpen, providing manager Carlos Mendoza with a seasoned left-handed option to support star closer Edwin Díaz. This move follows the team's earlier signings of pitchers Sean Manaea, Frankie Montas, Griffin Canning, and Clay Holmes to strengthen their starting rotation.
Additionally, the Mets recently re-signed outfielder and designated hitter Jesse Winker to a one-year, $7.5 million deal. These transactions suggest that the team may not pursue a new contract with All-Star slugger Pete Alonso, as ownership reallocates resources.
Under his contract, Minter will receive a $1 million signing bonus, a $10 million salary for the upcoming season, and holds an $11 million player option for 2026. He is eligible for various performance bonuses, including awards such as World Series MVP, All-Star selection, and Cy Young recognition.
Winker's contract includes a $1 million signing bonus, a $6.5 million salary, and the opportunity to earn up to $1.5 million in performance bonuses based on plate appearances and accolades like MVP, All-Star nods, and Gold Glove awards.
