The New York Mets have initiated their pre-deadline maneuvering by trading veteran left-handed reliever A.J. Minter to the Minnesota Twins. This exchange brings two promising young players, Bruin Agbayani and Billy Amick, to the Mets organization. The transaction underscores the Mets' focus on rebuilding their farm system and acquiring future talent, while the Twins bolster their bullpen with an experienced arm.
The trade, initially reported by ESPN's Jeff Passan, saw the Mets acquire infielder Billy Amick and middle infielder Bruin Agbayani. Amick, a 23-year-old corner infielder, was the Twins' 23rd-ranked prospect according to the MLB Pipeline. He was a second-round pick in the 2024 MLB Draft out of Tennessee. This season, playing in Double-A Wichita, Amick posted a .217 batting average, a .338 on-base percentage, and a .482 slugging percentage over 86 games. His offensive contributions include 23 home runs, 72 RBIs, and 60 runs scored, alongside 14 doubles.
The other prospect, Bruin Agbayani, is a 19-year-old middle infielder and the son of former Mets player Benny Agbayani. Drafted in the fifth round of the 2025 MLB Draft out of Hawaii, Agbayani has had a limited but promising start to his professional career. In 10 games with Single-A Fort Myers this season, he recorded 11 hits in 41 at-bats, resulting in a .268 batting average, along with three doubles, six RBIs, and 12 runs.
A.J. Minter was in the final year of a two-year, $22 million contract with the Mets. His 2025 season was largely impacted by a torn lat muscle, from which he returned in late May. Since his return, Minter has demonstrated his effectiveness with a 1-1 record, a 2.35 ERA, and a 1.00 WHIP, accumulating 20 strikeouts across 23 innings pitched. His departure marks the beginning of what is expected to be a series of moves by the Mets as the MLB trade deadline approaches. Other relief pitchers, such as Brooks Raley and Freddy Peralta, who are also nearing the end of their contracts, are anticipated to be traded. Additionally, players like Tyrone Taylor, Luis Robert Jr. (with a club option), and Clay Holmes (with a player option) could be involved in further deals. Prospects Luke Weaver and Huascar Brazoban, who are under team control, may also attract interest from contending teams.
This early trade indicates a clear strategy from the Mets to reorient their roster towards younger talent, positioning themselves for future competitiveness. The acquisition of Amick and Agbayani provides the organization with additional depth and potential future impact players, reflecting a focus on long-term development rather than immediate short-term gains from veteran assets.
