Mets start dealing, trade reliever Minter to Twins
The last-place Mets, in what could be the first of multiple deals, have traded left-handed relief pitcher A.J. Minter to the Twins for prospects Bruin Agbayani and Billy Amick.
The New York Mets are officially kicking off their trade season, and it's no surprise they're dealing from their bullpen. With a last-place record, it's time for the Mets to look to the future, and getting prospects in return for A.J. Minter makes sense. Minter, a veteran lefty reliever, can still help a contender like the Twins, who are in the thick of the AL Central race.
This deal also signals that the Mets are likely to be sellers at the deadline, and other teams will be keeping an eye on their closer Edwin Diaz and other trade chips. The Mets' return of two prospects, Bruin Agbayani and Billy Amick, gives them some building blocks for the future. Agbayani, in particular, is an interesting get, as he's a power-hitting outfield prospect who could develop into a contributor in Queens.
What's next to watch is how the Mets' front office navigates the rest of the trade market. Will they deal Diaz, or perhaps another starter or reliever? The Twins, meanwhile, get a proven reliever to bolster their bullpen for a playoff push. We'll be keeping an eye on both teams as the deadline approaches, and seeing how these players perform in their new roles could have implications for the postseason picture.
Originally reported by espn.com. TourNews adds analysis for sports & fitness readers.