The Braves are heavily focused on their outfield and starting rotation, but their bullpen faces uncertainty with Joe Jiménez recovering from surgery and A.J. Minter entering free agency.
Jiménez might return late in the season, though relying solely on hope isn’t a solid plan. Minter, meanwhile, hits the market after ending 2024 on the injured list due to hip surgery. Despite this setback, he’s attracting significant interest at the Winter Meetings. MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reports that while the Braves are eager to bring him back, they’ll face stiff competition from teams like the Cubs and Rangers.
Minter has built a stellar career, overcoming challenges like a demotion to Triple-A Gwinnett, and has established himself as Atlanta’s most dependable reliever since his 2017 debut. Over 384 games, he’s posted a 3.28 ERA with 36 saves. His performance since 2020 has been even more impressive, with a 2.85 ERA and 1.086 WHIP, complemented by strong postseason showings—20 appearances with a 2.88 ERA and 13 strikeouts per nine innings.
In 2024, Minter recorded a solid 2.62 ERA, though his strikeout rate dropped to 26.1%, and his FIP rose to 4.45. Whether he’ll be ready for Opening Day remains uncertain, potentially influencing his free agency value.
Hailing from Texas, Minter may find the Rangers a compelling option, while the Cubs have the resources to compete aggressively. However, Minter has expressed a strong desire to stay in Atlanta, and if the bidding doesn’t escalate beyond reason, the Braves stand a solid chance of retaining their star reliever.
