Brandon Nimmo isn’t the complete package, but he is close enough that the Mets want him back for the long haul.
Other than Nimmo’s obvious strengths on the field – he gets on base and gives the Mets an ideal leadoff hitter and center fielder – there are his character traits. Nimmo’s “aw shucks” personality is infectious, and the Mets have come to appreciate his commitment to playing the game in the right manner while putting the team first.
That said, as a top center fielder, Nimmo is such a commodity on this upcoming free-agent market that the Mets are right to worry he might escape. Nimmo hired agent Scott Boras last winter to make sure he gets paid. Boras usually succeeds in that mission, but the process can get messy, leaving teams frustrated and considering other options.
The Mets almost certainly will extend a qualifying offer to Nimmo worth $19.65 million for next season that the player will decline. It will leave the Mets with draft pick compensation should Nimmo depart.
