Some big news in New York Mets land. Many reports are just getting released now that the Mets have reached on an eight-year, $162 million deal with career-long Met, Brandon Nimmo.
An average annual salary of $20.25 million a year, which was roughly what most expected. In this case, it is the years though, that blow what everyone anticipated out of the water.
While the price is undoubtedly significant over the long term, this is a move that the Mets had to make.
If the Mets were to lose Nimmo, the lineup simply would not have been good enough for a team entering next year with the expectations the Mets have. Retaining him keeps the top of this lineup intact with a reliable bat who can work counts, get on base, and has a career batting average of .269 to boot.
Nimmo reportedly had a very strong, robust market, but all along, buzz suggested that the Mets were in him. The contract given to him here clearly suggests how much the Mets know they need Nimmo.
Mets lose breakout reliever to the 15-day injured list
Mets designate former starter turned relief pitcher for assignment
Mets designate a flamethrower who never appeared for them for assignment
Mets targeting a ‘modest’ deadline strategy despite hot-streak
3 takeaways from the Mets’ series sweep over the New York Yankees
Mets lose promising young starter to the 15-day injured list
Mets sign a former Gold Glove winner to a minor league contract
Mets designate veteran reliever for assignment
Could the Mets pursue a veteran left-handed starter?
3 Takeaways from the Mets’ series split with the Miami Marlins
Keeping Brandon Nimmo is one exciting move the Mets had to make:
Whether it be his presence at the plate, improved glove in center field, or valuable leadership to the clubhouse, Nimmo offers the Mets with a whole lot.
He is still 29 and turns 30 years old around the start of next season. Coming off of a career year, Nimmo, still being so young, should just be hitting his prime years.
This is a thrilling, all-in type of move the Mets simply needed to make happen. Steve Cohen and Billy Eppler did a tremendous job in executing this in what was probably one tough market to do so. In the end, the Mets keep the valuable player in Nimmo that they had to this offseason.