Brandon Nimmo has changed his representation one year before he becomes an unrestricted free agent.
Nimmo is no longer represented by CAA Sports. He is now represented by BorasCorp, owned and operated by MLB mega agent Scott Boras.
The Mets are reportedly interested in discussing a contract extension with the centerfielder. Talks are expected to occur after the MLB lockout. Nimmo has established himself as an above-average major league player but injuries have shortened his seasons.
In 2021, Nimmo was the catalyst to the Mets offense. Batting a majority of the time out of the leadoff spot, Nimmo slashed .292/.401/.437. While he lacks serious home run potential, he is an on-base-percentage machine. Nimmo has three seasons with an OBP over .400 since 2018.
Nimmo’s extension might hit a snag based on positional value. It’s likely Nimmo sees himself as a full-time MLB centerfielder, especially after 2021 when he ranked in the 86th percentile of players in outs above average.
But the Mets value Nimmo more in a corner spot. That was made apparent after inking the top center field free agent earlier this offseason, Starling Marte, to a four-year, $78 million contract. They also signed corner outfielder Mark Canha to a two-year, $26.5 million contract with a third-year club option.
The Mets want to stay flexible in the outfield. Nimmo has proved himself to be a capable outfielder at all three positions but they’re already preparing for an opening in the future. Top minor league prospects Mark Vientos and Brett Baty received playing time in left field last season despite being listed as third basemen.
Another snag holding up a Nimmo extension will be Boras and how he sees the market in 2023. Boras, also the agent of Michael Conforto, opted to take the right fielder to free agency instead of work on an extension with the Mets. Conforto also denied the Mets one-year qualifying offer, which Nimmo will be eligible for in 2023.
The outfield marked in 2023 is not strong. Nimmo and Yankees Aaron Judge and Joey Gallo headline the class. After that, the best options are Mitch Haniger or the 35-year old Adam Duvall.
New York’s other players hitting free agency in 2023 are Edwin Diaz, Trevor May, Seth Lugo, Trevor Williams, and Miguel Castro. Jacob deGrom has a $30.5 million player option. The Mets decision to bring back Nimmo could hinge on deGrom’s acceptance even though it shouldn’t.
Nimmo is deserving of an extension with the Mets. How many games he plays in 2022 will ultimately determine how much they want him back if the two sides cannot agree to an extension before then.
