Mets trade A.J. Minter to Twins for two prospects

The New York Mets have begun their anticipated sell-off of veteran players ahead of the Major League Baseball trade deadline, sending left-handed reliever A.J. Minter to the Minnesota Twins in exchange for two minor league infielders, Bruin Agbayani and Billy Amick. The deal was agreed to late Thursday night, July 30, and reported early Friday morning, July 31.

Minter, 32, is in the final year of his contract and will become a free agent after this season. He has posted a 2.35 ERA across 23 innings in 23 appearances for the Mets this year, though his strikeout rate of 20 has been accompanied by advanced metrics suggesting some regression may be expected. The veteran reliever missed significant time last season and into May of this year due to a lat muscle injury. For the Twins, who entered Friday with a 55-55 record, Minter addresses a critical bullpen need. Minnesota relievers have collectively struggled, ranking among the league's worst in earned run average and walk rate as the team pursues a playoff spot. The Twins are currently three games behind the Chicago White Sox for the American League Central lead and one game behind the Cleveland Guardians for the final AL...