Mets Officially Announce Brandon Nimmo Deal

The New York Mets officially announced on Saturday that they have signed outfielder Brandon Nimmo to an eight-year, $162 million contract. The deal runs through the 2030 season and will likely see the 29-year-old finish his career in Queens.

Nimmo was the second best free agent outfielder available behind Aaron Judge this offseason and attracted interest from a plethora of teams, including the likes of the Seattle Mariners, the Toronto Blue Jays, the San Francisco Giants and the New York Yankees. Although the two parties remained in touch throughout the free agency process, there was some doubt over whether or not Nimmo would actually return to Citi Field given that the Mets had other needs to address.

.@You_Found_Nimmo is staying in orange and blue. pic.twitter.com/yRO3uTqWhU

— New York Mets (@Mets) December 10, 2022

“Brandon has been part of the Mets family since he was drafted over 10 years ago and we are so excited that he and his wife Chelsea decided to remain part of the team,” Mets owner Steve Cohen said. “Throughout his career, Brandon has contributed so much to the Club both on and off the field. His hustle and personality are a part of what makes this team so special.”

Cohen’s determination to get this deal done by getting involved in negotiations at the end with general manager Billy Eppler proves how important Nimmo is to the Mets. Drafted by the organization 13th overall in the first round of the 2011 MLB June Amateur Draft, the lefty bat has flourished in Queens and has developed and improved his game year in and year out.

Nimmo enjoyed a career-year in 2022 and he set career-high marks in several offensive categories. The 29-year-old achieved career-highs in games played (151), runs (102), hits (159), RBI (64), and doubles (30). He tied for the National League lead with seven triples and ranked fourth in the NL in runs scored, fifth in on-base percentage (.367), and 12th in walks (72).

Last season was a statement year in many ways for Nimmo who established himself as an elite leadoff hitter for the Mets, while he was able to come up clutch in big spots on a consistent basis and he produced some highlight-reel plays in the field. Having also improved his glove, Nimmo really developed into the full package in 2022.

“We are thrilled to be able to keep Brandon in the organization,” Mets general manager Billy Eppler said. “He has grown into a leader in our clubhouse and embodies what we look for in a player on and off the field. We’re excited to have the impact he brings on both sides of the ball back on our roster.”

Nimmo is no doubt a huge part of this lineup for the Mets and the fact that only six players have a higher OBP than him (.387) over the last six seasons proves just how effective a player he has become. When you throw in his leadership in the clubhouse and on the field too, then it makes perfect sense why the New York Mets went all in to bring their star outfielder back and ensure that their homegrown product goes on to finish his career in Queens. Plus, if the Mets are serious about competing for the World Series in 2023, then retaining Nimmo was always going to be a huge plus.

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