Player Data: Age: 28 (3/27/1993), B/T: Left/Right
Primary Stats: 325 AB, .292/.401/.437/.838, 95 H, 8 HR, 28 RBI, 54 BB, 79 K
Advanced Stats: 137 wRC+, 20.5% K%, 14% BB%, .366 BABIP, .349 xwOBA, 3.5 fWAR, 3.6 bWAR, 4.0 DRS, 2.9 UZR
2021 Salary: $4.7 million
Grade: B-
2021 Recap
Appearing in his fifth season with the Mets, Brandon Nimmo had another successful season but was injury-ridden again, only appearing in 92 games for the Mets in 2021. Nimmo heading into 2021 was the Mets’ Opening Day left fielder and was expected to be a catalyst for the Mets both offensively and defensively. Unfortunately, his injured list stints prevented him from reaching that threshold fully.
Nimmo got off to an incredible start for Mets, slashing .338/.440/.507 within the first month of the season, before his first IL stint of the season due to a left index finger contusion, which turned into the diagnosis of a detached hand ligament. What was supposed to be a short stint ended up being a two-month absence, leaving an empty hole at the top of the lineup the Mets sure did miss. Upon his return on July 3, his presence was certainly felt again as he compiled three hits from the leadoff spot in his first game back against the Yankees. Having an on-base machine like Nimmo back, along with a somewhat heating up Francisco Lindor right before the All-Star break was a big aid in what looked like a Mets team destined for the playoffs at that time.
Part of Nimmo’s game and why he is so valuable to the Mets when he is on the field is just how much he gets on base and that was no different this season. In just 325 at-bats, Nimmo accumulated 54 walks, which was good enough for fourth on the team, along with a .401 OBP in those 92 games, which would’ve put him as a team leader if he qualified and a few points shy of his career-high. His above-average speed and hustle paired with his ability to get on base often gave Nimmo the skill set to lead the lineup when he played.
Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
In a turnaround from years past, Nimmo had a stellar defensive season. His defensive runs saved, mostly in center field, was 4.0, a dramatic improvement from his -5 DRS in the shortened 2020 season. Along with the drastic change in DRS, he also posted a 2.9 UZR after having a -4.1 UZR last season. Since the Mets have not had a true everyday center fielder on their roster for a multitude of seasons, having Nimmo match his offense with above-average defense gives them some certainty in their everyday lineups.
Nimmo went onto the IL again on September 4 after suffering a right hamstring strain, which again was a huge blow to the Mets, and the fringe hope of a playoff spot and put the rest of his season in jeopardy. Fortunately, Nimmo was back in the lineup less than two weeks later for the final 14 games of 2021.
The numbers have always been there for Nimmo, but the underlying issue has always been staying healthy over the course of a full season. Although some of his seasons have been abbreviated, Nimmo has only played over 100 games once (2018) over his career, which has been detrimental in helping the Mets get to where they want to go, along with personal accolades. He is the type of player that is fairly easy to dictate how he is going to contribute and produce year in and year out. His above-average speed, high OBP and hustle coming out of the leadoff spot have been a constant since his debut in 2016 and are something the Mets have counted on. With his improved defense as well, it is fair enough to firmly say that Nimmo is no longer a fourth outfielder.
2022 Outlook
With the uncertainty of what the outfield alignment is going to look like with the almost certain departure of now free agent Michael Conforto, where Nimmo plays is almost up to what the Mets end up doing this offseason in terms of trades and signings. The Mets have been linked to numerous players such as Starling Marte and Kris Bryant that could factor into the outfield equation come 2022. Nimmo is starting to solidify himself as a solid center fielder with the emergence of above-average defense, but it can be assumed that the Mets will weigh all the options before coming to a conclusion.
Regardless of who the Mets do sign, the biggest factor of a productive season for Nimmo would be his health. A key part to the success of the team is if Nimmo is penciled in at the leadoff spot come game time. His inability to stay on the field for long stints the last few years as mentioned does, of course, come at a cost for both the Mets and Nimmo’s career as he reaches the last few seasons of his contract.
I do believe Nimmo will portray an important role for the Mets in 2022 as a setup man for hopefully strong seasons for the likes of Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso. But like many things for the Mets right now, there is a feeling of uncertainty surrounding the team. But, albeit come season Nimmo should be in the starting outfield in Queens.
