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The New York Mets have initiated their trade deadline dealings, reportedly sending left-handed reliever A.J. Minter to the Minnesota Twins on Thursday. In return, the Mets will receive prospects Bruin Agbayani and Billy Amick, according to multiple reports. This transaction may signal the start of a significant roster overhaul for the Mets, who have underperformed this season and sit well below .500.
Minter, who has been a reliable bullpen arm when healthy, brings a 1-1 record and a 2.35 ERA across 23 appearances this year. He missed most of 2025 and the beginning of 2026 due to surgery on a left lat injury. Over his career, which began with the Atlanta Braves in 2017, Minter has compiled a 25-30 record with a 3.18 ERA in 420 games, limiting opponents to a .227 batting average while averaging over a strikeout per inning.
Key Analysis
The Twins, who are just one game out of the final American League Wild Card spot, gain a seasoned lefty to bolster their bullpen. Minter joins Taylor Rogers and Kody Funderburk, forming a formidable left-handed trio behind closer Yoendrys Gomez. This move could prove pivotal in the tight American League Central race, where the Twins (55-55), Cleveland Guardians (56-54), and Chicago White Sox (57-51) are separated by just three games.
For the Mets (47-63), this trade marks the beginning of what could be a major selloff. With several players eligible for free agency at season's end, including Minter, right-handed starter Freddy Peralta, and left-handed reliever Brooks Raley, the team is likely to move more assets. Peralta, a two-time All-Star, could be among the most sought-after starting pitchers available, potentially bringing a significant return. As the deadline approaches, the Mets appear ready to reshape their roster, with this bullpen deal serving as the first step in a series of moves that could impact the playoff landscape.
Originally reported by yahoo.