After addressing the lineup and starting rotation over the initial 2 ½ months of free agency, the Mets finally got into the bullpen Friday.
In need of a left-handed relief presence, the team reached an agreement with A.J. Minter on a two-year contract worth $22 million, an industry source confirmed.
The deal, which still pends a physical, includes an opt-out after the first season.
Minter, 31, pitched to a 2.62 ERA in 39 appearances with the Braves, for whom he has spent his entire eight-year career. Minter will provide an intriguing crossover option as somebody who can handle lefties and righties.
Last season, he was better against right-handed batters, holding them to a .603 OPS. Lefties had a .684 OPS against him.
SNY first reported Minter’s agreement with the Mets.
Minter’s arsenal includes a four-seam fastball, cutter and changeup.
He averaged 94.5 mph last season with the four-seamer.
It was a drop in velocity from the previous year, when he averaged 95.8 mph with the pitch.
Minter underwent August surgery to repair a labrum tear in his left hip.
A hip impingement and lesion on his femur also were corrected.
The addition occurred a day after the Mets, moving forward with their offseason plan with the belief Pete Alonso will sign elsewhere, reunited with Jesse Winker on a one-year contract worth $7.5 million.
Tanner Scott, who is regarded as the top reliever on the free-agent market, met with club officials earlier this month.
According to a source, Minter’s addition likely will preclude the Mets from further pursuing Scott.
The Mets had a need for lefty relief last season. Brooks Raley and Jake Diekman began the season as the team’s primary options, but Raley had reconstructive elbow surgery, and Diekman’s struggles led to his July release.
Danny Young had a solid stretch in the role before fading later in the season.
Minter joins a bullpen that includes Edwin Diaz, Reed Garrett, Dedniel Nunez and perhaps Jose Butto — who also is under consideration as a starter.
Other names include Sean Reid-Foley, Huascar Brazoban and Max Kranick.
The remaining free-agent market for relievers includes proven names such as Carlos Estevez, Kirby Yates, David Robertson and Kenley Jansen.
Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns spent November and December focused on the pursuit of Juan Soto (who signed a historic 15-year contract with the club worth $765 million) and multiple starting pitchers.
Frankie Montas and Clay Holmes were signed to bolster the rotation and Sean Manaea returned on a three-year contract worth $75 million.
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