1. Overview
Alex Jordan Minter (born September 2, 1993) is an American professional baseball pitcher who currently plays for the New York Mets of Major League Baseball (MLB). He previously played for the Atlanta Braves. Minter played college baseball for the Texas A&M Aggies before being selected by the Braves in the second round of the 2015 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut in 2017 and was a key contributor to the Braves' 2021 World Series championship.
2. Early Life and Career
2.1. High School and College
Minter attended Brook Hill School in Bullard, Texas. During his high school career, he was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 38th round of the 2012 Major League Baseball draft, but he chose not to sign with the team. Instead, he enrolled at Texas A&M University, where he continued his baseball career playing for the Texas A&M Aggies. After his 2014 season, he participated in collegiate summer baseball with the Cotuit Kettleers in the Cape Cod Baseball League. Minter spent his first two years at Texas A&M pitching out of the bullpen, but he transitioned to a starting pitcher role in his junior year. Early in his junior season, he sustained an injury that necessitated Tommy John surgery, which prematurely ended his season.
2.2. Professional Debut
Following his college career, the Atlanta Braves selected Minter in the second round of the 2015 MLB draft. He made his professional debut in 2016, pitching for the Rome Braves. During that season, he had two separate stints with the Carolina Mudcats before being promoted to the Mississippi Braves in July, where he concluded the year. Minter finished the 2016 season with a 1.30 ERA over 34 and two-thirds innings pitched. In 2017, he began the season with the Florida Fire Frogs and was subsequently reassigned to the Rome Braves, the Mississippi Braves, and the Gwinnett Braves throughout the season.
3. Atlanta Braves Career
Minter's career with the Atlanta Braves saw him rise from a promising prospect to a World Series champion, navigating through injuries and role changes while consistently contributing to the team's success.
3.1. MLB Debut and Early Seasons (2017-2018)
Minter received his first call-up to the major leagues on August 23, 2017. Prior to his promotion, he had compiled a 1-2 record with a 3.33 ERA across 26 relief appearances for the Florida Fire Frogs, Rome Braves, Mississippi Braves, and Gwinnett Braves. He made his Major League Baseball debut on the same night he was called up, pitching in the eighth inning of a game against the Seattle Mariners. Minter remained with Atlanta for the remainder of the 2017 season, recording a 0-1 record and a 3.00 ERA in 15 innings, during which he struck out 26 batters. In 2018, Minter appeared in 65 games, pitching 61 and one-third innings. He secured 15 saves and posted a 3.23 ERA, accumulating 69 strikeouts.
3.2. 2019 Season Challenges and Role Adjustments
The start of Minter's 2019 season was delayed due to a fender-bender motor vehicle incident in March. He initially took over the closer role, replacing fellow reliever Arodys Vizcaíno who was sidelined with an injury. However, Minter lost the role to teammate Luke Jackson by late April. On May 10, he was optioned to the Gwinnett Braves. Minter returned to Atlanta in June but was optioned to Gwinnett for a second time in August, as the Braves acquired relievers Shane Greene, Chris Martin, and Mark Melancon through trades. He finished the season as a September call-up when rosters expanded, but was shortly thereafter placed on the 60-day disabled list. For the 2019 season with the Braves, Minter finished with a 3-4 record, five saves, and a 7.06 ERA in 36 relief appearances, striking out 35 batters over 29 and one-third innings.
3.3. 2020 Season and Postseason Debut
Minter began the 2020 season at spring training with the major league team, but was optioned to Gwinnett in March. In Game 5 of the 2020 National League Championship Series, Minter achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first MLB player ever to make his starting debut in the postseason. He pitched three innings in that game, surrendering only one hit while striking out seven batters, which also set a record for a postseason starting debut. In the shortened 2020 season, Minter posted a 1-1 record with an impressive 0.83 ERA, recording 24 strikeouts in 21 and two-thirds innings across 22 relief appearances.
3.4. World Series Champion and Key Seasons (2021-2022)
On July 18, 2021, Minter was optioned to the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers following the Braves' 7-5 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. Despite this, he contributed to the Braves' successful season. In 2021, Minter finished with a 3-6 record, a 3.78 ERA, and 57 strikeouts in 61 games for Atlanta. The Braves concluded the regular season with an 88-73 record, securing the National League East division title, and ultimately went on to win the 2021 World Series. This victory marked the Braves' first World Series championship since 1995.
In 2022, Minter had a standout season, appearing in 75 games for Atlanta. He recorded a 2.06 ERA and achieved a career-high 94 strikeouts over 70 innings pitched.
3.5. Contract Negotiations and 2023-2024 Seasons
On January 13, 2023, Minter signed a one-year contract with the Braves for 4.20 M USD, thereby avoiding salary arbitration. During the 2023 season, he made 70 appearances for the team, posting a 3.76 ERA with 82 strikeouts across 64 and two-thirds innings pitched.
On January 11, 2024, Minter again avoided the salary arbitration process by agreeing to a one-year deal worth 6.20 M USD. However, his 2024 season was significantly impacted by injuries. He was placed on the injured list in late May, and the following month, it was revealed that he was suffering from left hip impingement. Although he was activated in early July, Minter returned to the injured list in mid-August due to the same hip issue and subsequently planned to undergo surgery. On August 20, he was transferred to the 60-day injured list, effectively ending his season. Overall, Minter concluded the 2024 season with a 5-4 record and a 2.62 ERA, striking out 35 batters across 39 games. He became a free agent after the season.
4. New York Mets Career
4.1. Contract and 2025 Season Outlook
On January 17, 2025, Minter signed a two-year contract with the New York Mets worth 22.00 M USD. The agreement includes an opt-out clause that Minter can exercise after the 2025 season. He is expected to be a key addition to the Mets' bullpen for the upcoming season.
5. Career Statistics
| Year | Team | G | IP | W | L | SV | SO | ERA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Atlanta Braves | 16 | 15.0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 26 | 3.00 |
| 2018 | Atlanta Braves | 65 | 61.1 | 0 | 4 | 15 | 69 | 3.23 |
| 2019 | Atlanta Braves | 36 | 29.1 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 35 | 7.06 |
| 2020 | Atlanta Braves | 22 | 21.2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 24 | 0.83 |
| 2021 | Atlanta Braves | 61 | 61.2 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 57 | 3.78 |
| 2022 | Atlanta Braves | 75 | 70.0 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 94 | 2.06 |
| 2023 | Atlanta Braves | 70 | 64.2 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 82 | 3.76 |
| 2024 | Atlanta Braves | 39 | 39.2 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 35 | 2.62 |
| Career (8 seasons) | 384 | 362.2 | 24 | 28 | 27 | 422 | 3.25 |