The Atlanta Braves are almost surely going to be bidding some tough goodbyes this winter. Following a 2024 season interrupted by star player injuries, the Braves hope to reload their team without breaking the bank. With Ronald Acuña Jr., Spencer Strider, and Austin Riley expected to return, Atlanta may be able to release others.
Lost in the injury shuffle somewhat was reliable left-handed reliever A.J. Minter, who underwent hip surgery in September. The eight-year veteran has spent his entire career with the Braves so far, contributing some crucial innings to Atlanta’ 2021 World Series run. Now, Minter is a free agent, and despite all the fond memories he and the Braves share, it doesn’t seem as though a reunion is anything close to a guarantee.
Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report predicted that Minter would sign with the New York Yankees, who are known for getting the most out of their relief pitching talent, on a two-year, $16 million contract. “With a 3.28 ERA and 10.9 K/9 in 384 career appearances, Minter has been a reliable lefty bullpen option throughout an eight-year career spent entirely in Atlanta,” Reuter said.
“The 31-year-old missed the final month and a half of the 2024 season after undergoing hip surgery, but he is expected to be ready for Opening Day. He would give the Yankees a much-needed southpaw with high-leverage experience.”
Minter has been fantastic in the postseason, which might be when the Braves would miss him the most. He has a 2.88 ERA and 0.84 WHIP in 25 career postseason innings, punching out 36 of the 102 playoff hitters he has faced.
The Yankees simply may have more urgency to make any and all free-agent signings than the Braves do at this point, after losing Juan Soto to the New York Mets. That could mean Minter is donning pinstripes instead of navy and red by Opening Day.
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