This season for the Mets can only be described as a disappointment. Amidst the swirling hurricane of disaster, Brandon Nimmo, in the first year of an eight-year, $162 million contract, has built off a productive season last year.
In 137 games this season, Nimmo has hit .262 with 23 home runs and 56 RBIs, with an on-base percentage above .350.
On Saturday, SNY’s Michelle Margaux hosted an interview with Nimmo, where the 30-year-old center fielder gave significant insight into his recent achievements and his role for the next generation of Mets.
Brandon Nimmo. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Nimmo’s Power Surge
Through the first seven years of his career, Nimmo hit 63 home runs, including 16 last season. In 2023, Nimmo has found a new level of pop, launching 23 balls over the fence, surpassing a goal of 20 home runs for the first time in his nearly decade-long career.
“It’s been something that I’ve known has been inside of me, and we’ve just been trying to unlock it,” said Nimmo in the interview. “A lot of hard work and a lot of years of hard work has gone into getting into this position and take advantage of the power.”
Nimmo admitted overcoming that hurdle was an emotional achievement.
“You have to take a risk to get outside of that and get more out of yourself.”
“The risk paid off,” said Nimmo. “I think we found a new part of my game, I think that’s something I can pull on for the rest of my career.”
The Pitch Clock is a Plus
During his sit down with Margaux, Nimmo was asked about the pitch timer and the center fielder explained he’s a fan.
“It has definitely helped speed the game along and I think that has been good for us and the fans enjoying the game,” said Nimmo.
While admitting it was an adjustment at first, Nimmo commended its implementation for its benefits to players, estimating it has shortened the majority of games by around an hour. That’s time Nimmo isn’t in the outfield putting strain on his body.
“That really adds up over time. That’s 162 hours of not being on the cleats throughout a season,” said Nimmo.
Paying Mentorship Forward
When Nimmo was breaking into the major leagues, he credits veterans Curtis Granderson, Jay Bruce and David Wright as mentors who played a pivotal role in the early part of his career. Nimmo said the trio of veterans passed on wisdom and lessons and showed gratitude toward them in his interview with Margeaux.
In the midst of his eighth season, the Mets have seen a quartet of young bats in Francisco Álvarez, Ronny Mauricio, Brett Baty and Mark Vientos make their transition to life in Queens and the rigors of Major League Baseball.
Nimmo is now striving to mentor the young sluggers and pass along his own knowledge.
“It’s just something that was done for me and I owe it to do for the younger guys,” said Nimmo. “It creates a good clubhouse chemistry and it kinda just lets the guys know, ‘hey this is what’s expected from you in the big leagues.’”
Nimmo was very complimentary of Mauricio, saying he’s “only been up here for a little bit now, but you can already tell he’s a heck of a talent.”
In his new role, Nimmo spoke highly of the young talent on the Mets roster. He complimented not just the natural gifts of the young players, but their mentality as well.
“The guys are willing to earn. They’re eager and that brings great energy to us as well.”
