Mets sign reliever AJ Minter for $22 million with Pete Alonso gone

After tackling the roster and starting the rotation over the first two and a half months of free agency, the Mets finally entered the bullpen on Friday.

In need of a left-handed relief presence, the team reached an agreement with AJ Minter on a two-year contract worth $22 million, an industry source confirmed.

The deal, which still awaits a medical review, includes an opt-out clause after the first season.

Minter, 31, pitched to a 2.62 ERA in 39 appearances with the Braves, for whom he spent his entire eight-year career. Minter will provide an intriguing crossover option as someone who can handle both lefties and righties.

Last season, he was better against right-handed hitters, limiting them to an OPS of .603. Lefties had a .684 OPS against him.

SNY first reported Minter’s deal with the Mets.

Minter’s arsenal includes a four-seam fastball, cutter and changeup.

He averaged 94.5 mph last season with the four-seamer.

This was a drop in speed from the previous year, when he averaged 95.8 mph with the pitch.

Minter underwent surgery in August to repair a torn labrum in his left hip.

A hip impingement and femur injury were also corrected.

The addition came a day after the Mets moved forward with their offseason plan with the belief that Pete Alonso would sign elsewhere, reuniting with Jesse Winker on a one-year deal worth $7.5 million.

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Tanner Scott, considered the top reliever on the free agent market, met with club officials earlier this month.

According to a source, the addition of Minter will likely prevent the Mets from pursuing Scott.

The Mets needed a left-handed reliever last season. Brooks Raley and Jake Diekman began the season as the team’s primary options, but Raley underwent reconstructive elbow surgery and Diekman’s struggles led to his release in July.

Danny Young had a solid stint in the role before disappearing later in the season.

Minter joins a bullpen that includes Edwin Diaz, Reed Garrett, Dedniel Nunez and possibly Jose Butto – who is also being considered as a starter.

Other names include Sean Reid-Foley, Huascar Brazoban and Max Kranick.

The remaining free agent market for relievers includes proven names such as Carlos Estevez, Kirby Yates, David Robertson and Kenley Jansen.

Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns spent November and December focused on pursuing Juan Soto (who signed a historic 15-year contract with the club worth $765 million) and several starting pitchers.

Frankie Montas and Clay Holmes were signed to bolster the rotation and Sean Manaea returned with a three-year deal worth $75 million.