After eight seasons with the Atlanta Braves, left-handed pitcher A.J. Minter is set to become an unrestricted free agent at age 31, marking his first time in free agency. Originally drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 2012 in the 38th round from Brook Hill High School, Minter opted to attend Texas A&M instead. He re-entered the draft in 2015, where the Braves selected him in the second round (75th overall).
Veteran Reliever Hits Free Agency
A.J. Minter made his MLB debut on August 23, 2017, against the Seattle Mariners, pitching one inning with two strikeouts. Over his eight-year stint in Atlanta, he compiled a 24-29 record and a 3.28 ERA across 348.2 innings. He was a key contributor during Atlanta’s successful 2021 postseason run, helping the Braves secure their first World Series title since 1995. Minter threw 12 innings in that postseason, allowing only four runs, three of which came in Game 5 of the World Series. The Braves went on to beat the Houston Astros in six games, ending a 26-year championship drought.
Navigating Arbitration and Contract Talks
Since 2021, A.J. Minter and the Braves reached agreements to avoid arbitration, with his salary rising from $1.3 million in 2021 to $6.2 million in 2024. While there was speculation that Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos might offer Minter a long-term extension, a deal wasn’t reached, and Minter signed a one-year, $6.2 million contract. With Anthopoulos extending other relievers like Joe Jimenez and Pierce Johnson in the 2024 offseason, it was expected he’d attempt to keep Minter, but the reliever will now enter free agency.
A Change in Representation
This past October, Minter switched agents to the Bledsoe Agency, leaving Excel Sports Management, which also represented notable former Braves players like Dansby Swanson and Jason Heyward. Excel’s representation of Freddie Freeman led to some reported tensions when Freeman ultimately joined the Dodgers, and this may have influenced Minter’s decision to seek a smoother free agency experience.
Expressed Interest in Staying in Atlanta
A.J. Minter has publicly stated he’s open to staying with the Braves. In a 2024 interview with Justin Toscano of *The Atlanta Journal-Constitution*, he shared his admiration for the organization, saying, “Obviously, who wouldn’t want to play in Atlanta? … I would love to stay… but that’s something out of my control at the moment. Just got to go out there and show them what I’m made of.” Minter’s clubhouse presence and dependable performance make him a valuable asset, and Anthopoulos could seek to retain him to maintain Atlanta’s strong bullpen.
Potential Outside Suitor
While all 30 MLB teams would likely benefit from a bullpen addition like Minter, only a few may be willing to meet his potential asking price. The Boston Red Sox, who finished 24th in bullpen ERA in 2024, may target Minter to reinforce a strong starting rotation. The New York Mets are another potential landing spot. After reaching the NLCS in 2024, Mets owner Steve Cohen might pursue Minter to strengthen his roster further, especially if they miss out on signing Juan Soto.
Minter’s First Free Agency
With the Braves’ next move unclear, Minter’s free agency could attract significant interest. Despite a season-ending hip surgery in August, teams could see him as a valuable bullpen option. After initially attempting to manage the injury with cortisone shots and rest, Minter’s condition ultimately required surgery. Nonetheless, Minter remains a desirable option for teams looking to bolster their bullpen depth.
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