A.J. Minter has been a staple of the Atlanta Braves bullpen for seven solid seasons. He’s earned his reputation as the go-to left-handed reliever since his big league debut in 2017 after being drafted in the second round of the 2015 MLB draft. In 2024, as Minter enters his eighth season, there’s a sense of uncertainty surrounding his future with the team, and it’s something fans should keep an eye on.
The situation is Minter is entering the final year of his contract, earning $6.2 million this season. That sets up an interesting crossroads for both him and the Braves. He’s made it clear he’d like to stay in Atlanta, but with free agency looming, that decision may be out of his hands. The Braves are in the middle of a bullpen reconstruction, and suddenly, Minter’s place isn’t as locked in as it once was.
A.J. Minter said the Braves haven’t inquired about an extension.
“Obviously, I would love to stay in Atlanta. Who wouldn’t?” he said. “But yeah, that’s something that’s kind of out of my control at the moment.”
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The Braves’ bullpen overhaul has introduced more left-handed options than we’ve seen in recent years. Tyler Matzek, who’s returning from injury, is set to make his mark again, while Aaron Bummer was just brought in from the White Sox. This added depth could complicate things for Minter. Despite his consistent track record, the presence of Bummer and Matzek creates the possibility that Minter could become expendable if the Braves’ new southpaws perform as expected.
This is a team that was gunning for a World Series title in 2024 until injuries piled up. Alex Anthopoulos, the Braves’ general manager, is always on the lookout for ways to give the team that competitive edge. As the trade deadline approaches, the Braves might find themselves in a position where they need to shore up other areas, whether that’s another starter for the rotation or a key position player. And that could mean a high-leverage lefty like Minter becomes a valuable trade chip as Atlanta has a lot to figure out with free agents this offseason.
Minter’s numbers certainly make him an attractive option for any team looking to boost their bullpen. Over his seven seasons, he’s appeared in 345 games, posting a solid 3.35 ERA with an impressive 387 strikeouts in just 314.1 innings. If Anthopoulos doesn’t see a long-term future for Minter in Atlanta, he’s got a pretty compelling case to make to other teams about the lefty’s ability to rack up strikeouts and hold his own in high-pressure situations.
The bottom line? Minter’s future with the Braves could go in several directions. He could earn an extension and remain a key part of their bullpen, or the Braves could decide to trade him to fill other needs as they chase another title.
