Part 2/9:
Mike Puma, the Mets beat writer, provided insights on the Minter signing, emphasizing its importance to the Mets’ bullpen, particularly given their struggles with left-handed relief last season. Injury problems plagued the team, with Brooks Raley requiring elbow reconstruction and Jake Diekman hitting free agency. By season’s end, the Mets were relying on Danny Young, who performed admirably for a stretch but ultimately faltered. Minter, being a proven lefty with a successful tenure at the Braves, fills a crucial gap, offering a much-needed formidable presence in the bullpen.