If you’re a Mets fan, you know the drill. Every spring, optimism blooms faster than pollen allergies, and this year is no different. AJ Minter, one of the Mets’ key offseason acquisitions, is fully buying into the energy of his new club after years of being a rock in Atlanta’s bullpen.
When I sat down with Minter today in spring training, he was all smiles, clearly thrilled to be in blue and orange. “Yeah, I would say, you know, being from the other side my whole career, this team, they seem like they have a really good, you know, culture and just kind of that brotherly love here,” he said. “It’s all the guys like to have really fun. They’ve been through, you know, a lot of adversity, and these past few years they’ve been exciting to watch, and, you know, I want to be a part of that.”
Minter, a World Series champion with the Braves, is no stranger to winning cultures, but the atmosphere in the Mets’ camp is something that caught his attention right away. “It’s definitely exciting to be a Met right now, and you can just tell, you know, just from the fans being here, the atmosphere here, that’s it,” he said. “It’s gonna be an exciting year for sure.”
One thing that stood out to me, having covered this team’s camp, is the camaraderie during even the most mundane drills. Pitchers’ fielding practice isn’t exactly must-see TV, yet here were Mets pitchers hyping each other up like they’d just thrown 99 mph past Aaron Judge in October. “Yeah, I think obviously everything starts with Mendy,” Minter said, referring to Mets skipper Carlos Mendoza. “Everything starts from the top. What he brings is, you know, the same attitude every day. Whether during the season when we’re struggling at times or when we’re doing good, I feel like he is the guy that’s always gonna be consistent, always wants to have fun, always cheer for each other, and I think that’s important to have.”
That energy, Minter noted, isn’t just about keeping things loose—it’s also about getting through the grind. “Spring training, you gotta keep things loose. You gotta keep things fun,” he said. “It gets repetitive every day, and we’re excited for the season to start, but at the same time, we’re here to work and get what we need to get done.”
Winning teams aren’t just about talent; they’re about chemistry. Minter has seen it firsthand. When I asked him about how superstars in the game, like Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto, interact with younger or lesser-known players, he didn’t hesitate. “I mean, it’s necessary, especially nowadays where you see a lot more younger guys be involved and help their teams win,” Minter said. “Ten years ago, that wasn’t the case, and it’s necessary now… You want to make them feel comfortable. You want to get to know each other super quickly because these young guys are, you know, they’re very talented nowadays.”
And about those young arms in camp? Let’s just say Minter is impressed. “I think they used 35 pitchers last year, and that’s kind of the same with every organization,” he noted. “You need guys, you need depth, and what stands out for me with these guys is there’s a lot of guys. Throw hard. There’s a lot of guys and, you know, powerful stuff, and the competition is high in spring, and that’s what you want as an organization.”
Minter knows from experience that spring training competitions aren’t just for show. “You want guys coming in fighting for a spot, but at the same time, you know, you’re pushing each other to be better, and that’s all you can ask for in spring,” he said. “I know these guys are gonna get a shot at some point during the year, and we’re gonna need them for sure.”
For now, Minter is settling into his new baseball home, and if his enthusiasm is any indication, he might just be the missing piece in what could be a surprisingly strong Mets bullpen. One thing’s for sure: the culture he’s walked into is a good one. Now, it’s just about carrying it into the season.
Here is the complete interview:
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