Brandon Nimmo made the best catch of his career on Tuesday night against the Brewers.
In the top of the third inning, Nimmo sprinted 63 feet and dove to rob Hunter Renfroe of at least a double in the gap. As Mets broadcaster Gary Cohen noted it was “as fine a catch as we’ve ever seen” from the Met centerfielder.
You have to see this catch! 👀 @You_Found_Nimmo pic.twitter.com/XyuQXBAXeX
— New York Mets (@Mets) June 14, 2022
The analytics back up Cohen’s comment and Nimmo’s effort.
MLB tracks the difficulty of every play made and the probability that plays turn into an out. On the “league-wide catch difficulty scale” it goes from zero to five stars.
The play by Nimmo was rated five stars in difficulty. It’s just the second time in his career he’s made a catch rated that tough and the first time all season. Previously he was 0-for-7.
Prior to the season, the Mets had a tough choice. Keep Nimmo in center or shift him to a corner spot with the addition of Starling Marte. Marte had exclusively played in center before joining the Mets.
New York is proving to have made the right personnel decision with Nimmo ranking as one of the top defensive outfielders this season, covering more ground than he ever has before.
In 2022, Nimmo is covering over 2 feet more than average, taking more efficient routes, and reaching top speeds never seen by him. It’s taken a few years but at age 29, Nimmo has figured out the position.
He ranks in the 92nd percentile in outs above average and in the 82nd percentile in outfielder jump. Both marks are career highs.
Nimmo presently ranks 12th among all outfielders with four outs above average. He’s tied with the likes of Mookie Betts, Byron Buxton, and Harrison Bader. Three players considered to be at the top of their class on defense.
Nimmo’s change into an elite defender started in 2020 when the Mets made him play deeper than ever before. From 2019 to 2020 his average depth went from 314 feet to 322 feet. Today, Nimmo plays as deep in the outfield as he ever has with an average starting depth of 327 feet.
It’s only led to success. He’s no Mike Baxter but without Nimmo in center, the Mets wouldn’t have combined to throw a no-hitter against the Phillies.
Brandon Nimmo with a nifty diving catch to rob Jean Segura of a hit. Tylor Megill still hasn't allowed any of those through three innings.
Mets 0, Phillies 0, mid-three. pic.twitter.com/aWRCoRvPzs
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) April 30, 2022
Who knows, maybe Nimmo will be the first Gold Glove winner for the Mets in center since Juan Lagares.
