Regarding offseason moves in Major League Baseball, a single signing can shift the balance of power in a division. Right now, Atlanta Braves fans might have a reason to feel uneasy.
Long-time bullpen stalwart AJ Minter is being floated as a potential fit for a National League East rival.
According to MLB.com’s Jessica Camerato, the Washington Nationals could make a play for the Braves free-agent reliever. This move would fill a glaring need in their bullpen.
Minter Is A Perfect Fit for Washington’s Bullpen Woes
Camerato’s analysis highlights why this scenario feels all too plausible. With the Nationals parting ways with All-Star closer Kyle Finnegan in November, Minter’s experience and skill set make him an appealing target.
Pairing Minter with southpaw Jose A. Ferrer, as Ferrer develops into a potential closer, could stabilize Washington’s relief corps, which has been a thorn in their side.
For Braves fans, the idea of Minter joining the Nationals is particularly troubling because it wouldn’t be the first defection to Washington this offseason. Former Braves pitcher Mike Soroka recently inked a deal with the Nationals.
While Soroka is expected to start, Minter’s addition would fortify a bullpen that desperately needs help after posting a 4.14 ERA in 2024.
A Healthy Minter: Impactful Numbers and Reliability
Minter’s numbers speak for themselves. In 2024, despite limited appearances due to injury, he delivered a stellar 2.62 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP in 39 games.
His track record over the previous three seasons proves his reliability, averaging 60-plus appearances with a 3.13 ERA.
A healthy Minter would be an instant upgrade for Washington and a painful loss for Atlanta, especially given that Joe Jimenez is sidelined for most, if not all, of 2025.
The Braves’ Bullpen Dilemma: What Comes Next?
The Braves, of course, aren’t sitting idle. Reports suggest they’re eyeing Padres free agent reliever Tanner Scott as a potential replacement for Minter.
However, with no concrete progress on a deal and Minter’s return equally uncertain, the Braves are facing the possibility of a weakened bullpen.
If Minter lands in Washington, it won’t just be a loss for Atlanta—it could be a game-changer in the NL East. As the offseason drama unfolds, Braves and Nationals fans will watch closely to see which way the chips fall.
