AJ Minter returned from his IL stint on May 26th after missing over a year due to a left lat strain that required season-ending surgery. Ever since his return, he has been a very solid piece of the Mets’ bullpen. Since coming back from the IL, Minter hasn’t allowed an earned run in nine appearances. Through eight innings, he has only given up four hits and struck out seven batters and has only walked one so far. He is off to a very solid start, and this is a promising sign for him and for the Mets organization.
Minter Has Been Solid Since His Return From The IL
Minter Has Been A Nice Addition In His Short Stint With The Mets
When the Mets acquired Minter after the 2024 season, he looked to be a solid addition to the bullpen. Minter signed a two-year, $22 million deal with the team and got off to a solid start in his first season with the club. In 13 appearances last year, Minter pitched 11 innings and finished with a 1.64 ERA, as well as striking out 14. Sadly, that’s about all the playing time he got that year, as he ended up missing the year due to that lat strain that he just returned from a month ago.
Minter’s Mets Tenure Has Been Unlucky
In his 2nd season with the team, Minter has accumulated just 22 appearances on the mound. Of course, it is not on Minter as he was dealt a big blow with injuries. It has just been an unlucky situation for Minter, between injury luck and the Mets’ awful play as of late, that has overlooked how sharp he has been since joining this club.
He is a huge asset for this team right now, and if he continues to look as sharp as he does, don’t be surprised if the Mets try to see what kind of value they can get for Minter at the deadline. David Stearns certainly has to decide soon which way they are going, and that will determine if Minter will end the season as a Met or not.
Can Minter Be A Key Piece For The Team At The Deadline?
The way this season has gone, the Mets should prepare to sell at the trade deadline. If David Stearns and company decide to go that route, Minter can certainly help them out with the way he’s playing. Of course, there’s no idea what kind of value Minter holds as of right now, but any contending team would definitely see value in a lefty out of the pen like Minter.
CREDIT: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Maybe the Mets can put a package together that includes him amongst others that could get them some solid prospects, but it remains unclear as to what the plan is for the team right now. In the coming weeks the Mets will have to decide soon enough which way they are treading towards, and it seems all but certain that Minter would be one of the first to go.
Can Minter Continue His Success For The Rest Of His Mets Tenure?
Between the injuries and now his drop in his velocity, it will be interesting to see if Minter can continue this small sample of success he’s had with the team. It will certainly be a huge plus if he could, as it will help the Mets with whichever way they trend this season.
He will either be a huge help for a magical playoff push, or he will help the Mets get a nice return at the deadline if he continues to increase his value. No matter which way the team goes, Minter has been very solid in his first tenure as a New York Met.
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