The New York Mets are looking for a “true†center fielder capable of defending the position well. It isn’t a pressing need, but the team would like to have someone with a good bat, as well.
That’s why the Mets are continually talking with the Pittsburgh Pirates about Starling Marte. However, a deal seems unlikely at this point because he wouldn’t come cheap. The Bucs probably want valuable prospects that are wanted and needed in Queens.
One of the names that surfaced in the trade rumors was that of Brandon Nimmo. However, the Mets so far have been “disinclined†to offer him as part of the return, and for good reason.
Despite missing more than three months with a bulging cervical disc in his neck, Nimmo was a productive player in 2019. He managed to end with a .375 OBP and a 114 wRC+ despite a putrid .221 average. How did he do it? Easy: walks.
Brandon Nimmo’s plate discipline is something to behold. He struck out more than the league average, sure (28.0 K%) but his 18.1 walk rate was outstanding. The Mets love the fact that he can get on base at such a high clip.
The Mets’ on-base machine
In fact, among players with at least 250 plate appearances, Nimmo’s 18.1 BB% ranked second in MLB. Do you care to guess who was number one? Yes, him. Mike Trout led all players with a 18.3 BB%.
This isn’t to say that Brandon Nimmo is Mike Trout. Not even close. However, he is a useful major leaguer capable of starting on a championship-caliber team. And while he is best suited in one of the corners, he can play a passable center field. His -6.7 UZR/150 and -2 DRS there weren’t good, but they also weren’t among the worst. And the team brought Jake Marisnick, a superior defender, to share time with him.
Offensively, Nimmo is more than just walks. He can do damage at the dish, as evidenced by his eight home runs in 69 games in 2019 and his 17 round-trippers in 140 games in 2018. He can also steal the occasional base.
The thing that makes Nimmo such an asset for the New York Mets, though, is his plate discipline. He can take walks with the best of them. And if he clears the .400 OBP mark as he did in 2018, the offense will be firing on all cylinders.