Twins acquire reliever A.J. Minter from Mets for two prospects

Twins acquire reliever A.J. Minter from Mets for two prospects

The Minnesota Twins acquired left-handed reliever A.J. Minter from the New York Mets on Friday, July 31, 2026, in exchange for two minor league infielders, Billy Amick and Bruin Agbayani. The trade arrives as the Twins attempt to shore up a bullpen that ranks as the fifth worst in the major leagues with a 4.92 relief ERA.

Minter, 33, has been effective for the Mets this season, posting a 2.35 ERA over 23.0 innings in 23 games. He has recorded 20 strikeouts and only two walks, a mark that led all major league pitchers with at least 20.0 innings in strikeout-to-walk ratio at 10.00. After making his season debut on May 26, Minter recorded 14 consecutive scoreless appearances through July 1.

The move comes after a period of significant injury struggles for the veteran. Minter went more than a year between major league appearances, missing the end of 2024 due to a torn labrum in his left hip and ending his 2025 season after 13 appearances because of a left lat muscle injury in his back that required surgery. Across 420 career games with the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets, he holds a 3.18 ERA and 456 strikeouts in 382 2/3 innings.

To create space for Minter on the 40-man roster, Minnesota transferred right-handed pitcher Cole Sands to the 60-day Injured List. Sands had been placed on the 15-day Injured List on Tuesday with a right elbow strain. The Twins announced that a corresponding 26-man roster move will occur on Saturday, Aug. 1.

The Mets received two prospects in return, both of whom are ranked in the top 30 of the Twins' system according to MLB.com. Billy Amick, 23, is a second-round pick from 2024 out of Tennessee. The corner infielder has hit .217 with 23 home runs and 72 RBI in 86 games for Double-A Wichita this season. Over 163 career minor-league games, Amick maintains a .251/.368/.463 slash line.

The second prospect, 19-year-old Bruin Agbayani, is the son of former Mets outfielder Benny Agbayani. A native of Hawaii and a sixth-round pick in 2025, Agbayani is a lefty-hitting middle infielder. He has hit .268 in 10 games for Low-A Fort Myers this year but has struggled with health. He has been on the IL since May 16 with a right shoulder strain and previously missed time with a right thumb strain.

The trade signals the start of a "tear-down" for the New York Mets, who currently hold the second-worst record in the National League at 47-63. The club is moving veterans who lack a future with the team to collect young talent ahead of the MLB trade deadline on Monday, at 6 p.m. Eastern.

Indications suggest Minter may be the first of several departures. The Mets scratched starting pitcher Freddy Peralta from his scheduled Friday night start against the Miami Marlins as trade interest in the 30-year-old intensified. While no deal has been finalized, reports indicate the Mets have sought a package including a top-100 prospect and additional talent for Peralta. Other veterans potentially on the block include Clay Holmes, Luis Robert Jr., Brooks Raley, Tyrone Taylor, and Luke Weaver.

For Minnesota, the addition of Minter provides a late-inning left-handed arm as the team remains in contention for the AL Central and a Wild Card spot, sitting one game out of a wild card position as of Friday.