In the last few seasons, the Atlanta Braves have experienced some painful player betrayals, from Freddie Freeman going out west to Max Fried joining the Evil Empire. Yet, somehow, A.J. Minter's decision to sign with the rival New York Mets might hurt the most.
On Friday, Andy Martino of SNY reported that the longtime Braves reliever was spurning Atlanta for the Big Apple. After eight seasons, several of which were as one of the anchors in the Braves bullpen, the lefty joins the team's biggest rival.
The 31-year-old's deal is for two years and is worth $22 million. The Mets also will give Minter a chance to opt out after the first season. The lefty is hoping to prove that there won't be any residual performance issues from 2024's injury-riddled season, and could set himself up for an even bigger payday in 2026 if things go to plan.
The Mets are signing AJ Minter, pending physical, league sources say
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) January 17, 2025
AJ Minter signing with the New York Mets will sting for Braves fans
Since debuting in 2017, AJ Minter had been one of the Braves most dependable relievers. His excellent 3.28 career ERA might not justify how well he performed.
From 2020 through 2024, the lefty had a 2.85 ERA and 2.84 FIP, accumulating 5.1 fWAR, 11th-best in the majors. The Texan was an integral part of The Nightshift, who led the Braves to a championship in 2021. After Tyler Matzek was shipped off to San Francisco for fellow Nightshift member Luke Jackson, Minter became the last continuous member of the group on the roster.
His 2024 was unusual, as his 2.62 ERA fell in line with what Braves fans expected, but his 4.45 FIP was his highest mark since 2019, when he had a 7.06 ERA. This indicated there was something likely nagging him, which turned out to be true. Unfortunately, a hip injury brought his season to an early end, as he was knocked out in mid-August.
Minter and Braves fans alike hoped the lefty would re-sign with the team this offseason, but unfortunately, the worst possible team swooped in and gave him a deal he apparently couldn't refuse.
In an offseason where the Braves have yet to make a big splash, fans now having to watch their biggest rival sign one of their favorite players is going to sting for a while.