Red Sox Show Interest in Braves Star Reliever A.J. Minter
The Atlanta Braves haven’t faced significant turnover among their free agents this offseason, but those who have tested the market have quickly found new homes. A.J. Minter could be the next to depart. According to Chris Cotillo, the Boston Red Sox have expressed strong interest in the star left-handed reliever and have engaged in multiple discussions regarding his potential signing.
The Braves have already seen notable players leave this winter. Max Fried departed for the Yankees on a historic contract, while veteran Charlie Morton inked a one-year deal with the Orioles. Now, attention turns to Minter, who has been a cornerstone of Atlanta’s bullpen. Comparisons between Minter and other former Braves stars like Fried, Freddie Freeman, and Dansby Swanson highlight the impact the southpaw has had during his tenure in Atlanta.
Hailing from Texas, Minter has established himself as one of the most dependable relievers in the league. Despite facing challenges early in his career, including a demotion to Triple-A Gwinnett, Minter rebounded to become a critical asset for the Braves. His performance since 2020 has been exceptional, with a 2.85 ERA and a WHIP of 1.086. He has also proven his reliability on the postseason stage, compiling a 2.88 ERA across 20 playoff appearances and averaging an impressive 13 strikeouts per nine innings.
This past season, Minter maintained a strong 2.62 ERA, but there were some signs of regression. His strikeout rate dropped to 26.1%, and his Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) rose to 4.45. These metrics may raise questions about his trajectory, especially with uncertainty surrounding his readiness for Opening Day. His health status could play a crucial role in how teams approach his free agency.
Should the Red Sox successfully acquire Minter, they would gain a battle-tested and experienced reliever capable of handling high-pressure situations. For Boston, bolstering their bullpen with someone of Minter’s caliber would be a significant step toward contention. However, Atlanta fans will undoubtedly feel the sting of losing another key player if he opts to leave.
As the offseason continues, all eyes will remain on Minter’s free agency as the Red Sox and other teams vie for the services of one of the league’s premier relievers.
