Mets appear to pass on No. 1 reliever with reported bullpen signing

The New York Mets were projected as a main contender to sign free-agent closer Tanner Scott, but seem to have pulled out of the running.

Andy Martino of SNY reported Friday that the Mets are signing reliever AJ Minter. Zachary Rotman of Fansided noted that by signing Minter away from the Atlanta Braves, they appear to be passing up on signing Scott.

Both Scott and Minter are left-handers. ESPN's Jeff Passan reported that Minter's deal with the Mets is for two years and $22 million, including an opt-out after the first season.

"The Mets signed arguably the second-best left-handed reliever on the market, and got him at a very reasonable year and dollar figure," Rotman wrote.

Minter has played his entire eight-year big-league career with the Braves, posting career numbers of 24-29 with a 3.28 ERA in 98 appearances — all out of the bullpen.

He has only logged 36 career saves, however, and has never served as a primary closer. So, if Edwin Diaz struggles again, the Mets will not be able to lean on Minter the way they could've Scott — who was the top fireman for the Miami Marlins and served capably as a co-closer for the San Diego Padres last season.

One cannot deny that Minter is a sneaky good signing, and costs a lot less than Scott likely will. More than that,  losing Minter could open the door for the Braves to sign Scott instead — meaning that the Mets will have to prospectively face him several times a season in meaningful division games. 

"While the signing looks close to perfect in theory, Minter comes with some concerning red flags," Rotman wrote.

One of the main red flags is that Minter, 31, sat out a big chunk of the 2024 campaign due to a rash of injuries. Whether he will remain healthy for a full season in Queens remains to be seen.

More MLB: Astros primed to land $4 million infielder amidst roster turnover