When the news broke that the Atlanta Braves were officially losing Max Fried to the Yankees, it was a gut punch to Braves fans everywhere. Sure, losing Fried was always the most likely outcome this offseason given the lack of traction in extension talks, but losing him to the Yankees who have brought so much pain to Atlanta over the years just sucks.
Unfortunately, Fried may not be the only former Brave to be wearing pinstripes next season as Bleacher Report seems to think that AJ Minter will sign a two year, $16 million deal with the Yankees which jives with Minter's current market.
AJ Minter, K'ing the Side. pic.twitter.com/9SFRa4JjUy
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 11, 2024
Bleacher Report predicts Yankees will sign AJ Minter away from the Braves
Minter being a popular relief target this offseason shouldn't surprise anyone. While not necessarily a guy that should be closing games (although he has certainly done that in the past), Minter has established himself as one of the best left-handed bullpen arms in baseball over the last several years.
Word is that the Braves would like to bring him back, but there are some complications with that plan as Atlanta needs to add either a real outfielder or a rotation arm this offseason. Meanwhile, the Yankees have all that Juan Soto money they want to spend and it's hard to ignore that Minter would be a good fit in New York's bullpen that could use a lift. That said, it is hard to imagine Minter going with teh clean-shaven, Yankees look.
The bigger issue for Minter is his medicals which is a genuine concern. While he pitched well in 2024, a hip injury forced Minter to undergo surgery that cut his time with the Braves short and added to their long list of woes last season. If he is healthy, B/R's proposed contract for Minter is one the Braves should be happy to consider. If there are long-term concerns, it sadly may be time to let the Yankees or another team take on the risk. Either way, hopefully Minter kills it wherever he ends up.