Report: Mets Open To Signing Both Nimmo And Senga

There remains the possibility that the New York Mets could still sign both outfielder Brandon Nimmo and free agent starter Kodai Senga this offseason, per SNY’s Andy Martino.

Despite a number of big names coming off the board over the last couple of days, both Nimmo and Senga remain unsigned and Martino notes that the Mets are “at least open-minded to stretching past where they wanted to in regards to their budget. This news emerges just hours after the front office bolstered the rotation with the addition of veteran starter José Quintana earlier on Tuesday. Quintana signed a two-year, $26 million deal, as first reported by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

Signing both Nimmo and Senga would ensure that the Mets blow past $300 million in total payroll next year. After signing ace starter Justin Verlander to a two-year, $86 million deal, coupled with the Quintana addition, the Mets currently have $298 million committed to payroll for the 2023 season. That factors in estimated raises for arbitration-eligible players.

According to Spotrac.com, Nimmo is projected to receive an annual average salary of $21.1 million, while Senga could get paid anywhere between $15 million and $20 million per year. Both players would be significant additions in terms of what they would offer on the field, but also in terms of what their signings would mean for the overall payroll in 2023.

Nimmo is currently at the Winter Meetings in San Diego where he is expected to meet with the New York Yankees. The market for the best remaining outfielder on the open market is intense, with the Toronto Blue Jays, the Seattle Mariners and the Tampa Bay Rays also interested. Nimmo has remained in contact with the Mets but he isn’t expected to meet with them during the Winter Meetings.

As for Senga, the left-handed starter is one of the most intriguing free agents available this winter and his agent Joel Wolfe told reporters on Tuesday that his client has already received a number of five and six-year offers from teams. Jon Morosi of the MLB Network reported on Monday that the Mets hold very real interest in Senga and manager Buck Showalter made glowing comments about the free agent earlier in the week too.

Senga owns a stellar career 2.42 ERA with a 104-51 record in the NPB in Japan, and he projects to be a very good middle-of-the-rotation starter. He could be a perfect option for the Mets who are seeking another starter in order to really beef up their rotation for the 2023 season. As for Nimmo, he established himself as an elite leadoff hitter for the Mets in 2022 with 16 home runs and 64 RBI. He’s also a hugely respected figure in the clubhouse. If the Mets were to sign both Nimmo and Senga and propel their payroll above the $300 million mark, that would be another clear statement of intent by owner Steve Cohen who remains determined to bring a World Series to Queens.