The Crimson Sox have had a number of conversations with free agent reliever A.J. Minter this offseason, writes Chris Cotillo of MassLive. Cotillo lists just a few different relievers with whom the Sox have had discussions: Carlos Estévez, Tommy Kahnle and Andrew Kittredge. Nevertheless, he means that Boston may very well be on the periphery of the Estévez market and that “nothing has heated up” of their conversations with Kahnle.
Minter has been linked to the Blue Jays, Rangers and Cubs in current weeks. Texas has already made a handful of bullpen signings, together with final evening’s one-year cope with former Boston righty Chris Martin. The Jays and Cubs ought to nonetheless be concerned within the aid market. Throughout the season, Minter had expressed some curiosity in returning to the Braves, although it’s not clear how significantly Atlanta has pushed for a reunion.
The 31-year-old has been one of many recreation’s extra dependable lefty setup arms throughout his profession. Between 2020-23, he mixed for a 2.89 earned run common whereas putting out greater than 30% of opposing hitters in additional than 200 innings. Minter’s platform 12 months was a little bit extra questionable. He nonetheless managed good numbers, handing over a 2.62 ERA with a stable 26.1% strikeout charge. Left hip points restricted him to 39 appearances, although. He underwent surgical procedure that ended his season in the course of August.
Minter may very well be prepared early within the 12 months, so the damage shouldn’t be too detrimental to his market. That mentioned, it might restrict him to 2 years when he appeared on observe for a three-year pact earlier in 2024. At first of the offseason, MLBTR predicted a two-year, $16MM deal.
The aid market has moved slowly. Boston’s $10.75MM cope with Aroldis Chapman is one in all 4 eight-figure reliever contracts so far. The Sox additionally introduced in Justin Wilson on a one-year deal at a low value ($2.25MM). Minter would full a trifecta of recent southpaws in Alex Cora’s late-inning combine.
Kahnle is a righty who typically fares higher in opposition to left-handed hitters. That’s a mirrored image of how typically he makes use of his changeup. Kahnle turned to the “offspeed” pitch greater than 70% of the time final season. It’s robust to argue with the outcomes, as he turned in a 2.11 ERA whereas putting out greater than 1 / 4 of opponents throughout 42 2/3 innings for the Yankees. Kittredge, a righty who leans on his slider roughly half the time, is coming off a robust season for the Cardinals. The 34-year-old labored 70 2/3 innings of two.80 ERA ball with a league common 23.3% strikeout charge.
