Braves and Mets Could Target Minor
In the aforementioned article by Mark Bowman, the Braves beat writer for MLB.com, Mike Minor garnered a mention as a possible bullpen target for Atlanta. Bowman thinks the team could kick the tires on former Kansas City closers Holland and Wade Davis.
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However, he argues the team will more than likely pass on those high-priced candidates in favor of in-house options such as Arodys Vizcaino, Jim Johnson or A.J. Minter. Bowman, though, thinks the franchise could look to add another quality bullpen arm, possibly Minor, Addison Reed or Matt Belisle.
Adding Minor would make for an interesting return home for the left-handed pitcher. A first-round pick of Atlanta in 2009, Minor started for the Braves for parts of five seasons. He missed all of 2015 and 2016 with shoulder surgery and recovery. A bounce-back 2017 campaign has him looking like a candidate to help several teams, including one of Atlanta’s NL East rivals.
Minor could also be a target of the Mets, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post. Puma writes that the bullpen is the team’s “top priority” this winter. Holland and Davis appear to be out of the question, leaving New York with some second-tier options:
"Instead, team brass is expected to choose from a group that includes Bryan Shaw, Brandon Morrow, Luke Gregerson, Brandon Kintzler, Matt Albers and Mike Minor, among others."
The addition of Minor would give the team another quality left-hander in the bullpen to pair with Jerry Blevins. It’s also a move that would make sense with the team recently naming former Royals pitching coach Dave Eiland to the same position.
Next: Where Will Royals Free Agents Play Next Season?
What do you think, fans? Who do you see the Royals signing this offseason? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.