There may not be a more improved player in baseball over the last couple of years than New York Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo. Nimmo has answered all questions about his place on the diamond as a starter.
Once considered a utility player, he’s blossomed into one of the best outfielders in Major League Baseball as a great leadoff hitter and a stellar defender. His defense, especially the last two seasons, has been worthy of a Gold Glove, but unfortunately, he hasn’t been awarded that accolade yet. At least for the MLB top 10 left fielders, though, Nimmo was named close to the top with his peers.
On Wednesday, MLB Network revealed their list as the 2024 season closely approaches, and he was placed at number two on the list of the top 10 left fielders. He was above Nolan Jones, Bryan Reynolds, and Chas McCormick. Yordan Alvarez was ranked second. On the fan vote, Nimmo was ranked eighth.
Entering his age 31 season, the veteran from Cheyenne, Wyoming, has hit 40 home runs (a career-high 24 last year) and 132 RBI, with a .365 OBP, a .815 OPS, and a 128 OPS+ the previous two seasons. His availability has also drastically improved after spending time on the IL throughout his career. He’s played in 303 games combined in 2022 and 2023. He played in 55 of the 60 games during the shortened 2020 season. A healthy Nimmo does wonders for the Mets.
Being placed as a left fielder on this list is because the Mets signed Harrison Bader, who is expected to play some center field along with Nimmo. This list is based on last year in terms of performance, but the positions are based on where they will likely play in 2024. Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns commented on this and said that Bader will play a lot of center field and play it regularly, with Nimmo being open to whatever the team wants him to do.
It does look like Nimmo will see some time as a left fielder in 2024. Nimmo played ten games in left field last year.
Main Photo Credits: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
