While it is true that Brandon Nimmo got a heart-related scare when the New York Mets‘ medical staff prompted management to pull him from a spring training game’s lineup to undergo screening and related tests, it turns out that he only has a “bigger heart” than the average player, figuratively speaking.
Scare aside, the abbreviated spring training – because of concerns about the coronavirus, or COVID-19 – was a very successful one for Nimmo, who happens to have some competition now that the Mets decided to bring stellar defensive center fielder Jake Marisnick into the fold.
Marisnick, however, doesn’t figure to play every day. His glove is fantastic but his offense is best served against lefties, while Nimmo will play at least semi-regular at-bats from the go. In fact, Nimmo is the best candidate to occupy the leadoff spot for the New York Mets.
A fantastic spring for the Mets’ on-base machine
In the shortened spring training, Nimmo went 11-for-29, with four runs, three doubles, one triple, one RBI, two walks and four strikeouts. His triple-slash line was a shiny .379/.455/.552, with a 1.006 OPS that was among the best in the team.
In all fairness, Brandon Nimmo is actually one of the most important New York Mets in the roster. He is adequate defensively in center field and excels in the corners, but his best asset is his keen eye at the plate. Last season, he was second in BB% with 18.1, behind the one and only Mike Trout.
Nimmo is the spark that starts the Mets’ offense. He has the rare ability to play center field, get on base at a nearly .400 OBP clip, hit 15-20 home runs and steal around 10 bases. He is, indeed, a rare breed.
The Mets are lucky to have him start the offense. With him on-base, plenty of run-scoring opportunities are in the horizon because he would be batting in front of Jeff McNeil, Pete Alonso, J.D. Davis, Michael Conforto, Robinson Cano and company.
If healthy and with full at-bats, Nimmo could league the National League in walks. He has that kind of potential.