The Mets signed Minter (hip) to a two-year, $22 million contract Friday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports. The Mets were known to be seeking a high-leverage reliever and have landed one of the better ones in Minter, who has an opt-out after the first year of the deal. The 31-year-old was limited to just 39 appearances in 2024 due to a left hip injury which eventually required surgery, but he was highly effective when on the bump, compiling a 2.62 ERA and 35:11 K:BB over 34.1 innings. Since 2020, Minter boasts a 2.85 ERA and 30.1 percent strikeout rate. There's no word on how far along Minter is in his recovery, but he will presumably be ready to go by Opening Day. He'll operate in a setup role ahead of closer Edwin Diaz.
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The Mets signed Minter (hip) to a two-year, $22 million contract Friday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports. The Mets were known to be seeking a high-leverage reliever and have landed one of the better ones in Minter, who has an opt-out after the first year of the deal. The 31-year-old was limited to just 39 appearances in 2024 due to a left hip injury which eventually required surgery, but he was highly effective when on the bump, compiling a 2.62 ERA and 35:11 K:BB over 34.1 innings. Since 2020, Minter boasts a 2.85 ERA and 30.1 percent strikeout rate. There's no word on how far along Minter is in his recovery, but he will presumably be ready to go by Opening Day. He'll operate in a setup role ahead of closer Edwin Diaz.
Acuna is expected to compete for the Mets' third-base job during spring training, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports. Assuming Pete Alonso moves on -- which is the expectation -- Mark Vientos will slide to first base, creating an opening at third. Acuna has never played the hot corner in pro ball, but he's a capable defender at shortstop and second base and the Mets evidently feel he could handle the hot corner fine. Slated to turn 23 in March, Acuna slashed .308/.325/.641 in 14 regular-season games for the Mets in 2024, although that was after he hit just .258/.299/.355 at Triple-A Syracuse. Ideally, the Mets would probably prefer to give him more seasoning at Syracuse, but Acuna currently is in line to compete with Brett Baty and Ronny Mauricio (knee) for reps at third base with the big club.
Baty is expected to compete for the Mets' third base job during spring training, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports. With Pete Alonso expected to move on and Mark Vientos shifting to first base, the Mets have an opening at the hot corner. Baty has slashed just .215/.282/.325 over 169 games at the big-league level, but he's still only 25 and a former top prospect. It's possible the Mets make an outside addition at third base, but for now Baty will compete with Ronny Mauricio (knee) and Luisangel Acuna for the gig.
The Mets' current plan is to have Vientos be their first baseman this season, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports. That's assuming Pete Alonso isn't re-signed, which is now the expectation. Vientos had a breakout season offensively in 2024, slashing .266/.322/.516 with 27 home runs over 111 regular-season contests for the Mets before adding another five long balls and a .998 OPS in the playoffs. The 25-year-old earned a minus-6 Outs Above Average at third base, so a move to the cold corner isn't a surprise. Brett Baty, Ronny Mauricio (knee) and Luisangel Acuna are in line to compete for the third base job.
The Mets agreed to terms on a contract with Winker on Thursday, Andy Martino of SNY.tv reports. Joel Sherman of the New York Post says it's a one-year, $7.5 million deal that could reach $9 million if Winker hits incentives. Winker had a solid bounce-back showing in 2024 between the Nationals and Mets, collecting a .764 OPS with 14 homers and 14 steals during the regular season before adding another long ball and a 1.168 OPS in 10 postseason contests. The 31-year-old should see fairly regular reps against righties between designated hitter and left field.
The Mets are not yet sure whether Mauricio (knee) will be ready for the start of spring training, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports. Mauricio began baseball activities in December as he works his way back from a second right knee surgery. While his rehab seems to be coming along OK, the Mets aren't sure how Mauricio's knee will respond as he continues to ramp things up, so they're taking things day by day with the young infielder. Given his long layoff -- he last played in the Dominican Winter League more than a year ago -- Mauricio is likely to begin the 2025 season in the minors even if he's not limited in spring training.
The Mets claimed Warren off waivers from the Giants on Wednesday, Justice delos Santos of The San Jose Mercury News reports. Warren, who turns 29 in February, yielded two runs with a 7:5 K:BB over 10.2 innings with the Giants in 2024. He'll compete for a spot in the Mets' bullpen but is likelier to wind up at Triple-A Syracuse to begin the season.
The Mets and Torrens avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year contract Thursday. Torrens was eligible for arbitration for the second time. He's slated to open the 2025 season as the Mets' backup catcher behind Francisco Alvarez.
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