What Does The Future Hold For Brandon Nimmo?

In his latest effort for FanGraphs, Eno Sarris took a comprehensive look at outfielder Brandon Nimmo to try and determine what exactly the Mets might have on their hands. He does a pretty wide analysis, complete with comps on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball, and projects that in Nimmo, the Mets have someone well worth keeping.

“In Brandon Nimmo, the Mets basically have a young, pre-injury Michael Brantley on their hands, a player with great plate discipline and good corner-outfield defense with a chance at more. That’s worth holding on to if free agency can get them a useful infielder for the 2018 season.”

Nimmo, still only 24 even if it feels like he’s been with the team since the Ed Kranepool days, has a few incredible hit traits going for him. Among them are his elite plate discipline which led to a walk rate of 15.3 percent.

“Only four players reached at pitches outside the zone less often than Nimmo last year, so he’s got something serious going for him there,” he points out.

As has been widely reported, Nimmo has been in demand this offseason, particularly by the Pittsburgh Pirates who are willing to deal second baseman Josh Harrison for the Wyoming native and former first round draft pick.

Sandy Alderson appears to be in no rush to deal Nimmo and part of that may be due to the unknown status of Michael Conforto who is trying to return from shoulder surgery and will not be ready for Opening Day. Until the team gets Conforto back, Nimmo will likely form a platoon with Juan Lagares in center field. After that, it may be tough finding regular at-bats for Nimmo.

Barring a significant injury to Yoenis Cespedes, Jay Bruce or Conforto, it may be a few years more until a regular outfield spot opens up for Nimmo. Both Bruce and Cespedes are signed through the 2020 season, and of course Conforto doesn’t become a free agent until 2022.

So for now, Nimmo will bide his time and continue to serve the Mets in a fifth outfielder role, hoping that he continues to grow and improve in his limited playing time.

But it’s good to know that at some point in the future, we may have something special in Brandon Nimmo when his time comes.