GOOD NEWS : Mets sign reliever 31 years old for $22 million with Pete Alonso on the way out

After addressing the lineup and starting rotation throughout the first 2 ½ months of free agency, the Mets finally entered the bullpen Friday.

In need of a left-handed bullpen pitcher, the organization signed A.J. Minter to a two-year contract worth $22 million, according to an industry source.

The deal, which is still subject to a medical, includes an opt-out after the first season. Minter, 31, pitched to a 2.62 ERA in 39 appearances for the Braves, where he has spent his entire eight-year career. Minter will provide an intriguing crossover option because he can handle both lefties and righties.

Last season, he performed better against right-handed batters, limiting them to a.603 OPS. Lefties had a.684 OPS against him.

Minter’s story was initially reported by SNY.

Agreement with the Mets Minter’s arsenal consists of a four-seam fastball, cutter, and changeup.

Last season, he averaged 94.5 mph on the four-seamer.

It was a decrease from last year, when he averaged 95.8 mph with the fastball. Minter underwent surgery in August to repair a labrum tear in his left hip.

A hip impingement and femoral lesion were also addressed.

The move came a day after the Mets re-signed Jesse Winker to a one-year contract worth $7.5 million, assuming Pete Alonso would sign elsewhere.

Tanner Scott, widely regarded as the best reliever on the free-agent market, visited with club management earlier this month. According to a source, Minter’s arrival will certainly prevent the Mets from pursuing Scott any further.

Last season, the Mets were in need of left-handed relief. Brooks Raley and Jake Diekman started the season as the team’s top options, but Raley underwent reconstructive elbow surgery, while Diekman struggled, leading to his July release. Danny Young had a good run in the job before fading later in the season.

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

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