Steve Cohen and the New York Mets are bringing out the checkbook once again.
Andy Martino of SportsNet New York reported on Friday that the Mets are signing veteran reliever AJ Minter in free agency. The left-hander Minter is getting two years and $22 million with an opt-out after the first year, Jon Heyman of the New York Post adds.
Minter, 31, had spent his entire eight-season MLB career with the division rival Atlanta Braves up to this point. He was a key bullpen arm (usually in middle relief) for the Braves during their 2021 World Series victory and has since moved into more of a setup role. Last season with Atlanta, Minter went 5-4 with a 2.62 ERA and 35 strikeouts in 34.1 total innings pitched (before his season ended in August due to a hip injury).
After signing Juan Soto to a record-setting $760 million deal this offseason, the Mets have not been shy about adding to other parts of their roster as well. Minter now becomes the latest free agent pitcher whom they have reeled in after signing a former award-winning arm last month.
