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Mets checked in on A.J. Minter as their interest in reliever market ramps up
The Mets are exploring ways to rebuild their bullpen, with reports that they have checked in on left-handed reliever A.J. Minter. The move comes as the club prioritises improving its starting rotation but has several bullpen vacancies after trading away multiple relievers at the deadline.
Minter posted a 2.35 ERA in 23 appearances for New York in 2026 before being traded to Minnesota, where he recorded a 2.78 ERA in 25 games. The Mets have also shown interest in free agents Alex Vesia and Tim Hill, and expect Kodai Senga to prepare for a return to starting in spring training. They have already re-signed right-hander Robert Stock on a one-year deal.
In short
- The Mets have checked in on lefty reliever A.J. Minter.
- Minter had a 2.35 ERA in 23 Mets appearances in 2026.
- New York has also been linked with Vesia and Hill.
Explained simply
A bullpen is the group of pitchers who usually enter after a team’s starting pitcher leaves the game. Clubs build it with relievers who can handle different situations, including late innings and match-ups against left- or right-handed batters.
A.J. Minter is a left-handed relief pitcher who appeared for the Mets in 2026 before being traded to the Minnesota Twins. The Mets have also been linked with free-agent relievers Alex Vesia and Tim Hill, while Robert Stock has returned on a one-year deal.
Teams generally need several reliable relievers across a long season, and the Mets traded away multiple bullpen pitchers at the deadline. They are also working on their starting rotation, so their choices in both areas will shape how the pitching staff is assembled for the season ahead.