Mets-Twins Bullpen Deal
Mets Trade A.J. Minter to Twins for Prospects, Bolstering Minnesota's Bullpen
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Key Points
1
A.J. Minter brings a lengthy MLB track record to the Twins, having appeared in 420 games with a career 25-30 record, 36 saves, 122 holds, a 3.18 ERA, and 456 strikeouts; his 2023 season featured 21 holds and 10 saves in 70 games.
2
Bruin Agbayani is described as a versatile infield prospect (shortstop/second base), while Billy Amick is noted for right-handed raw power and strong potential at corner infield positions.
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In 2026 with the Mets, Minter has posted a 2.35 ERA across 23 innings with a 1.00 WHIP and 20 strikeouts against just two walks, reflecting his solid late-inning usage for Minnesota’s bullpen move.
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The Twins entered the deadline with one of the league’s highest bullpen ERAs (4.92) but showed notable improvement in July, posting a 3.00 ERA with 77 strikeouts over 84 innings as Morris, Gómez, and Nance emerged as key late-inning contributors.
The New York Mets traded left-handed reliever A.J. Minter to the Minnesota Twins at the MLB trade deadline, getting minor league infielders Bruin Agbayani and Billy Amick in return, according to Jack FM Fargo. Minter, 31, has been sharp in 2026, posting a 2.35 ERA across 23 innings with a 1.00 WHIP and just two walks.
The Twins enter August at 55-55, still fighting for a playoff spot. They identified their bullpen as a weakness and moved to fix it. Minnesota's relief corps carried a 4.92 ERA on the season before the deal, though the unit showed real improvement in July.
Minter Fills a Clear Late-Inning Need in Minnesota
The Twins' bullpen ranked among the worst in the league by ERA entering the deadline. But July offered hope. Minnesota relievers posted a 3.00 ERA over 84 innings that month, with 77 strikeouts. Pitchers Jovani Mórris, Jhoan Duran, and Jorge López emerged as key arms, according to KFGO.
Minter slots in as a left-handed late-inning option — a role the Twins lacked. He has appeared in 420 career MLB games. Over that stretch, he has a 3.18 ERA, 36 saves, 122 holds, and 456 strikeouts. His 2023 season alone featured 21 holds and 10 saves across 70 games.
Mets Get Two Prospects as Part of Farm Rebuild
New York receives Bruin Agbayani and Billy Amick. Agbayani is a versatile infielder who can play shortstop and second base. Amick brings right-handed raw power and projects as a corner infield bat, according to 740 The Fan.
The deal fits the Mets' broader deadline strategy. New York sits in last place and is focused on restocking the minor leagues. Trading a rentable reliever for two positional prospects adds organizational depth without giving up anything the team needs right now.
Red Sox Also Circled Minter Before Minnesota Struck
Minnesota was not the only team interested in Minter. The Boston Red Sox had shown interest in the left-hander as they prepared for their own postseason push, according to Y94. The Twins moved quickly enough to land him before Boston could act.
The Red Sox may now turn their attention to other Mets arms. Clay Holmes and Luke Weaver have both been mentioned as potential targets. New York, willing to deal from its bullpen, could make more moves before the deadline closes.
Twins Bet on Minter to Push Them Into October
At 55-55, Minnesota needs every win it can get. The Twins are buyers, a clear signal that the front office believes this team can reach the playoffs. Adding a proven reliever with a sub-2.50 ERA this season is a low-risk, high-upside move, according to Froggy Web.
Minter has been one of the steadier relievers in baseball over the past several years. His 20 strikeouts against just two walks in 2026 show his command is elite. For a Twins team that needs every bullpen edge it can find, he is a meaningful addition.
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