NEW YORK – The Mets are feeling optimistic about A.J. Minter’s impact on their bullpen.
They recently signed the left-handed pitcher to a two-year deal worth $22 million, which includes an option for him to leave after the 2025 season.
Recovery Timeline
However, a critical question looms: Will Minter be ready to pitch when the team faces the Astros on Opening Day, March 27? He is still recovering from hip surgery performed last August and has not yet thrown from the mound.
In the last season, Minter made 39 appearances, boasting a solid 2.62 ERA and an impressive strikeout rate of 9.2 per nine innings.
Minter is optimistic about his recovery, sharing that he feels good about his hip’s healing process.
Although he refrains from pinning down an exact timeline, he is focused on being in peak shape as the season opener draws near.
The Mets are committed to a careful recovery process, taking it one day at a time, but Minter’s goal is clear: he wants to get back on the field as soon as possible.
Impressive Track Record
Over his eight seasons with the Braves, the 31-year-old pitcher has established a record that speaks for itself, posting a 3.28 ERA, accumulating 36 saves, and achieving 114 holds along with 422 strikeouts.
Since 2022, he has distinguished himself as one of only 11 pitchers in Major League Baseball with an ERA under 3.00 and a strikeout rate above 30 percent, given that he has appeared in at least 150 games.
Notably, his second-half ERA of 1.98 stands as the seventh-lowest in the league for pitchers with a minimum of 60 outings during the same period.
Anticipation for the Braves Series
Looking to the future, Minter is particularly excited about the challenge of facing the Braves in a three-game series from June 17 to 19 at Truist Park.
This matchup holds special significance for him, as he played a crucial role in securing the Braves’ World Series title against the Astros in 2021.
The anticipation of competing against his former team adds an extra layer of excitement to the season.
Minter’s path to recovery and his determination offer promising signs for both him and the Mets as they pursue their ambitions for the year ahead.