Why Twins Must Bring Back A.J. Minter

The Minnesota Twins didn't get the results they hoped in a season where they expected to make a push for the postseason after being sellers the year prior, shipping off many of their core pieces with the exception of Byron Buxton and right-handed ace Joe Ryan.

While they missed out on the postseason once again, trading for veteran reliever A.J. Minter was one of the best moves Minnesota general manager Jeremy Zoll made. 

Prior to landing with Minnesota, the 33-year-old Minter recently compiled a solid 2.35 ERA with 20 strikeouts with the New York Mets where he spent less than two years after departing the Atlanta Braves in free agency following the 2024 season.

So far, Minter has had similar success as a Twin, wrapping up his late-season stretch with a 2.78 ERA and 1.10 WHIP. He also struck out 21 batters in 25 games and 22.2 innings of work.

Given his current trajectory and Minnesota's continued need for pitching this offseason, keeping Minter in a Twins uniform should be on Zoll's priority list once he enters unrestricted free agency upon the conclusion of the World Series.

Minter had one of his best outings with the Twins on Sept. 5 against the division rival Chicago White Sox, striking out two batters and only giving up a single hit to help the team come out with a 6-4 win.

Furthermore, Minter was instrumental in a crucial 5-4 extra-innings victory over the juggernaut New York Yankees later in the month, holding the fort with two punchouts despite allowing two hits and issuing a walk.

He also ended his short stretch with Minnesota on a reasonable note, surrendering just one run in the team's final game of the season against the Texas Rangers in which they won 6-4.

With that, Minter has earned his place back in Minnesota's bullpen and he would be a great fit alongside right-hander Yoendrys Gómez and fellow deadline acquisition Jeff Hoffman. 

Gómez was another major arm for Minnesota this year, posting a 3.62 ERA while recording 52 strikeouts and 21 saves in 56 games since making his way to the organization from the Tampa Bay Rays.

Meanwhile, Hoffman finished the year with a commendable 2.50 ERA and 27 strikeouts plus one save through 20 appearances since joining the Twins via a trade from the Toronto Blue Jays.

Now that Zoll has the blessing of owner Tom Pohlad who promised an increased payroll for next season, he must do the right thing here and that is re-signing Minter.