The New York Mets 2024 campaign seemed destined to be a repeat of 2023, but after a scorching hot June fueled by Jose Iglesias’s “OMG” and the McDonald’s mascot Grimace, the blue and orange have turned their season around.
Currently, the Mets are a game under .500 (44-45) but, due to a weak National League, are just 2.5 games back of the San Diego Padres for the final wild-card spot and 3.5 games behind the St. Louis Cardinals for the second wild-card spot.
With the organization now finding themselves back in the playoff race, their trade deadline plans have been altered. The current belief is that the blue and orange will sell some of their starting pitching at the trade deadline while continuing to compete for a spot in the postseason.
The Mets feel comfortable selling because the organization has solid replacements in José Buttó and Christian Scott. Also, 2023 all-star Kodai Senga is expected to return from the injured list before the deadline.
However, one of the Mets star outfielder wants the organization to buy at the deadline instead.
Brandon Nimmo wants the Mets to be buyers
![[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] June 8, 2024; London, UNITED KINGDOM; New York Mets player Brandon Nimmo at bat against the Philadelphia Phillies during a London Series baseball game at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Childs/Reuters via USA TODAY Sports](https://empiresportsmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/MLB-London-Series-Philadelphia-Phillies-vs-New-York-Mets-23509256.jpg?resize=539,715)
According to Will Sammon of the Athletic, Brandon Nimmo has discussed buying at this year’s deadline rather than selling with president of baseball operations David Stearns and owner Steve Cohen.
“Any chance that I get, I kind of throw that in there,” Nimmo said. “I don’t think that we are that far off from being a real contender.”
Mets’ Brandon Nimmo nudging Steve Cohen to be a buyer at trade deadline – The Athletic (nytimes.com)
Nimmo’s strong season has been a crucial cog in the Mets’ success. He has appeared in 84 games this season, slashing .252/.369/.454 with 14 home runs and 55 RBIs with a 2.8 fWAR.
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What areas could the Mets target?
If Nimmo were to get his wish and the Mets became buyers by the deadline, the area they likely would target would be the bullpen. Once viewed as a strength of the squad, underperformance and injuries have made the bullpen the weakest link. Perhaps a reunion with David Robertson or an in-division trade with the Miami Marlins for Tanner Scott could be in the cards.
