Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Mets centerfielder Brandon Nimmo was projected to be starting at the same position for Team Italy during the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
The tournament that takes place during spring training will feature loads of major leaguers but Nimmo will not be one of them.
The Mets outfielder will instead spend his spring in Port St. Lucie, Florida with his teammates.
“Being with this team and the way that Steve (Cohen) has set it up, I would really kick myself if something happened,” Nimmo said Monday.
Nimmo and the Mets agreed to an eight-year, $162 million contract at the start of free agency. The outfielder tested the free agency waters and ultimately decided to return to the team he’s been on his entire career.
Nimmo got his first chance at the playoffs last season, and helped the Mets win 101 games in 2022. In a season where he’ll have to be durable as ever, he doesn’t want to put himself in a position where he could miss extended time.
Of course there is still the possibility Nimmo can get injured in Florida. The Mets have seen it happen to players many times over the years. Yet when considering Nimmo’s all-out play style it’s likely best for him and the Mets that he doesn’t put the extra wear on his body prior to the season.
Nimmo’s attitude isn’t shared across his own locker room. The Mets have loads of talent playing in the WBC. All-Stars Pete Alonso, Jeff McNeil, Francisco Lindor, and Edwin Diaz will all compete for their countries in the tournament.
Nimmo has his reasons to not go. He injured his hamstring in the last game of the 2017 tournament and he doesn’t want to undergo Italy’s travel schedule that will have him head out to Taiwan.
“It’s a risk I can’t take with signing this contract,” Nimmo said.
Him and the team ultimately decided it’s best to not compete. As Nimmo puts it he wants to add a month and a half of competition at the end of the regular season and not prior to it.
