A. J. Minter

{{Infobox baseball biography

| name = A. J. Minter

| image = A. J. Minter during warmups, Aug 05 2022 (cropped).jpg

| caption = Minter with the Braves in 2022

| team = New York Mets

| number = 33

| position = Pitcher

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1993|9|2}}

| birth_place = Tyler, Texas, U.S.

| bats = Left

| throws = Left

| debutleague = MLB

| debutdate = August 23

| debutyear = 2017

| debutteam = Atlanta Braves

| statleague = MLB

| statyear = April 19, 2025

| stat1label = Win–loss record

| stat1value = 24–29

| stat2label = Earned run average

| stat2value = 3.24

| stat3label = Strikeouts

| stat3value = 434

| stat4label = Saves

| stat4value = 36

| teams =

Atlanta Braves ({{mlby|2017}}–{{mlby|2024}})
New York Mets ({{mlby|2025}}–present)

| awards =

World Series champion ({{wsy|2021}})

}}

Alex Jordan Minter (born September 2, 1993) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the New York Mets of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Atlanta Braves. Minter played college baseball for the Texas A&M Aggies, and was selected by the Braves in the second round of the 2015 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut in 2017.

High school and college

Minter attended Brook Hill School in Bullard, Texas, and was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 38th round of the 2012 Major League Baseball draft. He did not sign and attended Texas A&M University, where he played college baseball. After the 2014 season, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Cotuit Kettleers of the Cape Cod Baseball League.{{cite web|url=https://pointstreak.com/baseball/player.html?playerid=635937 |title=A.J. Minter - Profile |publisher=pointstreak.com |access-date=January 9, 2020}} After spending his first two years pitching out of the bullpen, Minter was converted into a starting pitcher his junior year.{{cite web|url=http://www.theeagle.com/aggie_sports/baseball/aggie-baseball-team-learns-ace-out-for-year-on-cusp/article_d67c1a07-b0e7-50e4-9fdb-43f06c471b32.html|title=Aggie baseball team learns ace out for year on cusp of SEC play|access-date=September 27, 2016}} Early in his junior season he suffered an injury which required Tommy John surgery, ending his season.{{cite web|url=http://www.theeagle.com/aggie_sports/baseball/minter-to-have-tommy-john-surgery/article_cac8e0fa-c91d-11e4-8368-5320f18770d9.html|title=Minter to have Tommy John surgery|access-date=September 27, 2016}}

Professional career

=Atlanta Braves=

File:AJ Minter from Nationals vs. Braves at Nationals Park, April 6th, 2021 (All-Pro Reels Photography) (51101805413).png

The Atlanta Braves selected Minter in the second round of the 2015 MLB draft.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/braves-thrilled-to-get-lefty-aj-minter-at-no-75/c-129367056|title=Braves thrilled to get lefty A.J. Minter at No. 75|access-date=September 27, 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.etfinalscore.com/ET-Baseball%20Softball/220645/east-texans-minter-walters-heading-to-big-leagues|title=East Texans Minter, Walters heading to big leagues |website=ETFinalScore.com |access-date=September 27, 2016}} He made his professional debut in 2016 for the Rome Braves. He spent two stints with the Carolina Mudcats and was promoted to the Mississippi Braves in July, where he finished the season.{{cite news|title=Minter sent to Carolina; O'Neal to Danville|url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-179063770|access-date=February 20, 2017|publisher=Minor League Baseball|date=May 19, 2016}}{{cite news|title=Obregon & Minter return; Gebhardt to DL|url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-183077920|access-date=February 20, 2017|publisher=Minor League Baseball|date=June 9, 2016}}{{cite news|title=Beckham joins Mudcats, Minter to Miss.|url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-187538430|access-date=February 20, 2017|publisher=Minor League Baseball|date=July 2, 2016}} Minter finished 2016 with a 1.30 ERA in {{frac|34|2|3}} innings.{{cite news|last1=Bowman|first1=Mark|title=Minter makes good first impression on Snitker|url=http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/216405638/ajminter-impresses-snitker-in-first-look/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220093410/http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/216405638/ajminter-impresses-snitker-in-first-look/|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 20, 2017|access-date=February 20, 2017|work=MLB.com|date=February 18, 2017}} Minter began 2017 with the Florida Fire Frogs and was reassigned to Rome, the Mississippi Braves, and the Gwinnett Braves during the season.

Minter was called up to the major leagues for the first time on August 23, 2017.{{cite news|last1=O'Brien|first1=David|title=Braves call up hard-throwing relief prospect Minter|url=http://www.ajc.com/sports/baseball/braves-call-hard-throwing-relief-prospect-minter/j1GEXZ7lCU3x0ZQgF5WuoL/|access-date=August 24, 2017|work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|date=August 23, 2017}}{{cite news|last1=Bowman|first1=Mark|title=Braves call up Minter, option Fried to Triple-A|url=http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/250135246/braves-promote-pitcher-aj-minter/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824021237/http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/250135246/braves-promote-pitcher-aj-minter/|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 24, 2017|access-date=August 24, 2017|work=MLB.com|date=August 23, 2017}} In 26 relief appearances for Florida, Rome, Mississippi, and Gwinnett prior to his call up he was 1–2 with a 3.33 ERA. He made his major league debut that night, in the eighth inning of a game against the Seattle Mariners.{{cite news|last1=Bowman|first1=Mark|title=Minter cherishes debut, pitches perfect frame|url=http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/250295024/braves-aj-minter-makes-mlb-debut/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825102010/http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/250295024/braves-aj-minter-makes-mlb-debut/|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 25, 2017|access-date=August 24, 2017|work=MLB.com|date=August 24, 2017}} Minter spent the remainder of the 2017 season with Atlanta, pitching to a 0–1 record and 3.00 ERA in 15 innings in which he struck out 26 batters.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/player/a-j-minter-621345|title=A.J. Minter Stats, Highlights, Bio - MiLB.com Stats - The Official Site of Minor League Baseball|publisher=Minor League Baseball|access-date=May 20, 2018}}

In 2018, Minter pitched {{frac|61|1|3}} innings over 65 games, saving 15, while recording a 3.23 ERA and 69 strikeouts.{{cite news |last1=Burns |first1=Gabriel |title=A.J. Minter rejoins Braves bullpen |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/baseball/minter-rejoins-braves-bullpen/ZJ5hZO4crOiuf4dA9cvEbM/ |access-date=March 11, 2020 |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |date=April 4, 2019}}

Following a fender-bender motor vehicle incident in March, the start of Minter's 2019 season was delayed.{{cite news |last1=Hummer |first1=Steve |title=Braves' Minter traces shoulder issue to bad driving, not pitching |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/braves-minter-traces-shoulder-issue-bad-driving-not-pitching/D2NNsQEQWe72ZdGHlfwWcN/ |access-date=March 11, 2020 |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |date=March 2, 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Burns |first1=Gabriel |title=A.J. Minter to resume throwing Saturday |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/baseball/minter-resume-throwing-saturday/LbUpdGRQpFVkpqtU6c8BLM/ |access-date=March 11, 2020 |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}}{{cite news |last1=Bowman |first1=Mark |title=Minter tests shoulder by throwing live BP |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/aj-minter-on-mend-following-car-accident |access-date=March 11, 2020 |work=MLB.com |date=March 22, 2019}} Minter replaced fellow reliever Arodys Vizcaíno as closer due to injury, but lost the role to teammate Luke Jackson by late April. Minter was optioned to the Gwinnett Braves on May 10.{{cite news |title=Braves activate reliever Venters, send Minter to minors |url=https://apnews.com/9f3e56c8c1dd4bee8dd48cb324243f81 |access-date=March 11, 2020 |work=Associated Press |date=May 10, 2019}} He returned to Atlanta in June, then was optioned to Gwinnett for a second time in August as the Braves traded for Shane Greene, Chris Martin, and Mark Melancon.{{cite news |last1=Henry |first1=George |title=Braves recall Minter, put him back in closer's mix |url=https://apnews.com/674543073fb04cb898c1264baac516bc |access-date=March 11, 2020 |work=Associated Press |date=June 11, 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Newberry |first1=Paul |title=Shane Greene gets a chance to finish games that matter in Atlanta |url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2019/aug/01/shane-greene-gets-a-chance-to-finish-games-that-ma/ |access-date=March 11, 2020 |work=The Spokesman-Review |agency=Associated Press |date=August 1, 2019}} Minter ended the season as a September call-up when rosters expanded, but shortly thereafter was placed on the 60-day disabled list.{{cite news |last1=Tucker |first1=Tim |title=Braves recall two pitchers, roster now at 31 |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/baseball/braves-recall-two-pitchers-roster/QMJC4yREBi7aVc5DI9Ow5O/ |access-date=March 11, 2020 |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |date=September 3, 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Burns |first1=Gabriel |title=Grant Dayton rejoins Braves, A.J. Minter's season ends |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/baseball/grant-dayton-rejoins-braves-minter-season-ends/AOqWGqOumBksOnw0CRKIBN/ |access-date=March 11, 2020 |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |date=September 12, 2019}}

For the 2019 season with the Braves, he was 3–4 with five saves and a 7.06 ERA in 36 relief appearances, in which he struck out 35 batters in {{fraction|29|1|3}} innings.{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/minteaj01.shtml|title=A.J. Minter Stats|website=Baseball-Reference.com}} Minter started the 2020 season at spring training with the major league team, and was optioned to Gwinnett in March.{{cite news |last1=Bowman |first1=Mark |title=Notes: King Félix deals again; Minter sent down |url=https://www.mlb.com/braves/news/felix-hernandez-impressing-aj-minter-optioned |access-date=March 11, 2020 |work=MLB.com |date=March 9, 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Burns |first1=Gabriel |title=Braves option A.J. Minter, Chad Sobotka to Triple-A |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/baseball/braves-option-minter-chad-sobotka-triple/Ej77ndydjJUHmytT2aaTjM/ |access-date=March 11, 2020 |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |date=March 9, 2020}} In Game 5 of the 2020 NLCS, Minter made history by becoming the first MLB player ever to make their starting debut in the postseason. He pitched three innings, surrendering only one hit while striking out seven batters, also a record.{{cite news |last1=Passan |first1=Jeff |title=Atlanta Braves' A.J. Minter strikes out 7 in 3 innings in starting debut |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/baseball/minter-rejoins-braves-bullpen/ZJ5hZO4crOiuf4dA9cvEbM/ |access-date=October 30, 2021 |work=ESPN |date=October 16, 2020}} In 2020, Minter was 1–1 with an 0.83 ERA, and 24 strikeouts in {{fraction|21|2|3}} innings over 22 relief appearances.

On July 18, 2021, Minter was optioned to the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers following the Braves 7-5 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays.{{Cite web|title=Transactions|url=https://www.mlb.com/braves/roster/transactions|access-date=July 19, 2021|website=MLB.com|language=en}} In 2021 with Atlanta, he was 3–6 with a 3.78 ERA and 57 strikeouts in 61 games. The Braves finished with an 88–73 record, clinching the NL East, and eventually won the 2021 World Series, giving the Braves their first title since 1995.{{Cite web |last=Castrovince |first=Anthony |date=November 3, 2021 |title=Atlanta Braves win 2021 World Series |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/braves-win-world-series-2021 |access-date=June 21, 2024 |website=MLB.com}} In 75 games for Atlanta in 2022, Minter posted a 2.06 ERA with a career-high 94 strikeouts across 70 innings pitched.

On January 13, 2023, Minter signed a one-year, $4.2 million contract with the Braves, avoiding salary arbitration.{{cite news |last1=Bowman |first1=Mark |title=Fried, Braves likely heading to arb hearing |url=https://www.mlb.com/braves/news/max-fried-braves-heading-to-salary-arbitration |access-date=January 14, 2023 |publisher=MLB.com |date=January 13, 2023}} He made 70 appearances for the team in 2023, posting a 3.76 ERA with 82 strikeouts across 64²⁄₃ innings pitched.

On January 11, 2024, Minter again avoided the salary arbitration process, agreeing to a one-year, $6.2 million deal.{{cite news |last1=Bowman |first1=Mark |title=Fried avoids hearing, Minter gets raise at arbitration deadline |url=https://www.mlb.com/braves/news/braves-avoid-arbitration-with-max-fried-a-j-minter |access-date=January 12, 2024 |publisher=MLB.com |date=January 11, 2024}}{{cite news |last1=Toscano |first1=Justin |title=Braves avoid arbitration with Max Fried and A.J. Minter |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/braves-avoid-arbitration-with-max-fried-and-aj-minter/L3OPQLEUZBDCBJNX4XUDJ7PHWI/ |access-date=January 12, 2024 |work=Atlanta Journal Constitution |date=January 11, 2024}} He was placed on the injured list in late May, and revealed that he had left hip impingement the following month.{{cite news |last1=Toscano |first1=Justin |title=Braves reliever A.J. Minter readies for rehab appearance in coming days |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/braves-reliever-aj-minter-readies-for-rehab-appearance-in-coming-days/4VBVGUCUCNBMLKC6SKBIRM2JXM/ |access-date=August 21, 2024 |work=Atlanta Journal Constitution |date=June 18, 2024}} Although he was activated in early July,{{cite news |last1=Toscano |first1=Justin |title=Braves reinstate A.J. Minter from injured list |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/braves-reinstate-aj-minter-from-injured-list/RTDNBVCBJVFBBGR5TIX6B36BFU/ |access-date=August 21, 2024 |work=Atlanta Journal Constitution |date=July 1, 2024}} Minter returned to the injured list in mid-August with the same issue,{{cite news |title=Braves unsure if A.J. Minter will pitch again this season |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/braves-place-aj-minter-on-injured-list-recall-dylan-lee/N7TKELP6ARCNLBLFG3T4RAPI6I/ |access-date=August 21, 2024 |work=Atlanta Journal Constitution |date=August 12, 2024}}{{cite news |last1=Bowman |first1=Mark |title=Minter (left hip) to undergo surgery, putting season in doubt |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/a-j-minter-to-have-surgery-for-hip-injury |access-date=August 21, 2024 |publisher=MLB.com |date=August 14, 2024}} and planned to undergo surgery.{{cite news |last1=Toscano |first1=Justin |title=Braves reliever A.J. Minter to undergo hip surgery |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/braves-reliever-aj-minter-to-undergo-hip-surgery/GS27RUZ7SNHYRNX7UQVR7JNLG4/ |access-date=August 21, 2024 |work=Atlanta Journal Constitution |date=August 14, 2024}} He was transferred to the 60-day injured list on August 20, effectively ending his season.{{cite news |last1=Bowman |first1=Mark |title=Urshela signs MLB deal with Atlanta as Riley hits IL |url=https://www.mlb.com/braves/news/gio-urshela-deal-with-braves |access-date=August 21, 2024 |publisher=MLB.com |date=August 20, 2024}} Overall, Minter finished with a 5–4 record and a 2.62 ERA with 35 strikeouts across 39 games. He became a free agent after the season.

= New York Mets =

On January 17, 2025, Minter signed a two-year, $22 million contract with the New York Mets including an opt-out after the 2025 season.{{Cite web |title=Mets pad bullpen with deal for LHP Minter (source) |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/a-j-minter-contract-with-mets |access-date=January 17, 2025 |website=MLB.com |language=en}}