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3 (realistic) free agents that would make Pirates’ bullpen the best in the NL Central

The Pirates could add these three relievers and give their bullpen a big makeover.

ByNoah Wright|
Jun 13, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Texas Rangers relief pitcher David Robertson (37) reacts after striking out Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50), designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) and first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) in the eighth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Jun 13, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Texas Rangers relief pitcher David Robertson (37) reacts after striking out Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50), designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) and first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) in the eighth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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A.J. Minter

A.J. Minter has been a stalwart in the Atlanta Braves’ bullpen for years. The left-hander’s 2024 season (and what could be his last season in Atlanta) came to an abrupt end when he had to undergo hip surgery in mid-August. Luckily, the Southpaw should be ready to go by the start of spring training, and has proven to be a reliable left-handed bullpen arm throughout his career thus far.

Minter may have only been limited to 34.1 innings, but he still owned a strong 2.62 ERA and 1.01 WHIP, albeit with a 4.45 FIP. Minter struck out opponents at an above-average 26.1% rate, but his career average K% approaches 30% at 29.3%. Minter also owned a solid 8.2% walk rate, and opponents could only muster a .197 batting average when they faced off against him.

But Minter was uncharacteristically prone to home runs last season. His 1.57 HR/9 rate was a career-high by a mile. It was the first time he ever averaged one home run per nine innings in his career. However, there is a ton of evidence to suggest this was a complete fluke (aside from his previous work). Minter held opponents to just an 87.3 MPH exit velocity and 6.9% barrel rate; both were better than average, with the former being a career low. His 45.9% GB% was the second-best mark of his career. The southpaw’s 16.7% HR/FB ratio was over double that of his career average of 8%.

It’s not as if this was his first good season, either. Minter pitched to a 2.89 ERA, 2.58 FIP, and 1.01 WHIP over his previous four seasons heading into 2024. He struck out over 30% of his opponents, carrying a 30.7% strikeout rate to go with a 7.8% walk rate. As stated earlier, home runs were far less of an issue during previous years, as Minter had just a 0.60 HR/9 over that span. Minter has always been good at limiting hard contact, and had an 87.3 MPH exit velocity and 6.3% barrel rate from 2020 through 2023.

If there is a realistic left-handed bullpen option the Pirates could sign for multiple seasons, Minter would be the guy. They currently only have one left-handed reliever, and that’s Joey Wentz. Minter is only entering his age-31 season, so long as he is good to go by March, Minter would be the Pirates’ best option to add some lefty depth to the bullpen. 

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