2022 Mets Report Card: Brandon Nimmo, CF
Brandon Nimmo
Player Data: Age: 29 (3/27/1993), B/T: L/R
Primary Stats: 151 G, 673 PA, 580 AB, .274/.367/.433/.800, 159 H, 16 HR, 64 RBI, 7 3B, 3 SB
Advanced Stats: 134 wRC+, 17.2% K%, 10.5% BB% .317 BABIP, .342 xwOBA, 5.4 fWAR, 5.1 bWAR
2022 Salary: $7 million
Grade: A
2022 Review
When the Mets acquired Starling Marte last offseason, it created questions about what role Brandon Nimmo would have in 2022. Marte had historically been a leadoff hitter throughout his career and played center field primarily since 2017, but the Mets decided to let Nimmo remain in the leadoff spot and play center field. Nimmo responded by turning in the best season of his career.
Nimmo’s biggest strength at the plate has always been his ability to work counts and reach base at an extremely high rate. He started the season looking as good as ever, hitting .293/.386/.452 with three home runs and four triples in 43 games through May as the Mets were proving themselves to be one of the top teams in baseball.
After a terrific start to the season, Nimmo’s numbers took a turn starting in June. He hit .255/.327/.398 for the month. It was not a bad month by any means, but it was a drop off from his first two months and was followed by an unusually poor July for the Wyoming native. In July, he hit just .222/.288/.398 despite hitting five home runs, his most for any month of the season.
Despite struggling mightily in July, Nimmo thrived the rest of the way once the calendar turned to August. Over his final 58 games, the Mets’ center fielder hit .295/.407/.452 with six home runs, 12 doubles and two triples. Although the Mets fell short in the division race, Nimmo saved his best baseball for the final push and helped the Mets reach their second-highest win total in franchise history.
Earlier in his career, Nimmo was thought to be better suited to play a corner outfield position, but after improving in center field in 2021, he took another leap and turned into a top defensive center fielder in 2022. He finished with six OAA after finishing with -4 in 2020. His improved defense in center field was put on full display in the Mets’ August 31 win over the Dodgers. With a one-run lead in the seventh, Nimmo robbed Justin Turner of a game-tying home run. The Mets went on to win the game 2-1.
ICYMI: Brandon Nimmo made an amazing catch last night.
— Metsmerized Online (@Metsmerized) September 1, 2022
He was not named a Gold Glove finalist, as Trent Grisham was far and away the best center fielder this past year with 17 OAA, and Alek Thomas racked up seven OAA in just 113 games, but Nimmo was tied with Victor Robles with his six OAA. While he may not be in the same class as Grisham or Thomas, he has still proven himself to be a terrific defensive center fielder.
Despite being in the 84th percentile in sprint speed according to baseball savant, Nimmo only managed to steal three bases. While he is already a great all-around player, the lack of steals with his speed and on-base ability leaves more to be desired in that area.
One of the biggest issues Nimmo has had in his career is his ability to stay on the field. He missed some time after being placed on the COVID IL in April, but still managed to play in a career-high 151 games in 2022. Playing nearly every day, Nimmo was able to produce a 5.4 fWAR. Only Mike Trout had a higher fWAR in 2022 amongst full-time center fielders. It was an incredible year for Nimmo, earning him an A for his all-around game.
2023 Outlook
The Mets are prioritizing their center fielder, but there are plenty of teams interested in acquiring Nimmo’s services. He will certainly get a significant payday, with ESPN’s Jeff Passan predicting his next contract will look similar to the seven-year, $130 million deal Shin-Soo Choo got prior to the 2014 season.
While that price may feel steep to some, there are not many center fielders in the game as good as Nimmo and certainly none that are available in free agency or a trade.
The core of the Mets lineup is set, and Nimmo is the perfect choice to remain in the leadoff spot. Both Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso received MVP votes in 2022, and having Nimmo and his elite OBP skills in front of them in the lineup played a big role in the Mets’ top two hitters driving in over 100 runs. Nimmo’s comments in interviews last season made it clear that he would like to be back in Queens. The Mets would be wise to pay the price necessary to keep him.
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