If the New York Mets happen to lose Brandon Nimmo to free agency, which is unfortunately very possible, a potential big void opens in the outfield.
With Trea Turner now off the market, it makes losing Nimmo that much tougher. Had the Mets landed Turner, Jeff McNeil offers immense versatility to fill one of the corner outfield spots. The Mets are also fortunate that Starling Marte provides them with positional flexibility between right and center field.
However, as seen by the big deal landed by Turner, Nimmo will land something in the same ballpark. If the Mets are not able to sign Nimmo to keep their outfield intact, they would likely have to keep McNeil at second. From there, the Mets must be prepared to make a play for a proven outfielder to replace Nimmo.
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Why the Mets have to be interested in Bryan Reynolds:
Last week, Pittsburgh Pirates’ 27-year-old outfielder Bryan Reynolds requested a trade from the team. Reynolds, on the final year of his contract (owed just $6.75 million), wants a new deal and is frustrated with the Pirates’ lack of progress toward one.
The Mets should absolutely be interested.
Reynolds has played 493 games for the Pirates over the last four years since 2019. The switch-hitter has a career batting average of .281. He batted .314 in 2019 and .302 in 2021. It did drop a bit in 2022 to .262. But still, a solid year.
Reynolds has also proven some power over the last two years with a 24 home run season followed up by a career-best of 27 in 2022. In terms of runs batted in, Reynolds had by far his best production in 2021, driving in 90. His 2021 success led to an All-Star appearance.
Defensively, Reynolds has played 306 of his 493 career games in center field. From there, he has 134 games played in left field.
Reynolds offers some size at 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds. His ability to switch-hit, hit for contact, and power, paired with his youth and consistent production over the last four years, all make him an option the Mets have got to, at the very least, consider.
Should the Mets lose Nimmo to free agency, and now with Turner signing elsewhere, the Mets have got to be ready to pursue a prime bat this lineup needs like Reynolds.