Brandon Nimmo extension tricky proposition for New York Mets

The New York Mets are going to have a difficult decision to make during the upcoming season. Brandon Nimmo is set to be a free agent at the end of the 2022 campaign, leaving another potential opening in their outfield. This leaves the Mets just a few months to either work out an extension or to try to find a replacement in the upcoming offseason.

Due to the lockout, the Mets will have even less time to attempt to figure out an extension. Teams cannot officially speak to the players or their representatives during the labor stoppage and there is no idea as to how long the lockout will continue.

New York Mets have decision to make with Brandon Nimmo

This would be an easy decision based strictly on Nimmo’s production. He has produced a solid .266/.393/.445 batting line in his 1695 plate appearances, hitting 47 homers and 76 doubles. Add in his ability to play all three outfield positions and Nimmo would be the type of player that the Mets would want to keep around.

The problem is that his 1695 plate appearances have come over six years. Nimmo has appeared in at least 95 games just once in his major league career and has only two seasons where he has been mostly healthy. He has been productive when he has been in the lineup, but the Mets cannot count on him to play every day.

In theory, the Mets can find a player that can match Nimmo’s production. His 162 game averages of 27 doubles, 17 homers, and a 131 OPS+ may not be that difficult to locate in free agency. Mark Canha is actually a similar player, albeit with a bit more pop and a slightly lower OPS+ based on that 162 game average.

But Nimmo could be a prospective bargain as well. He will turn 29 years old just before the start of 2022 campaign, meaning that any long term extension would likely cover the remainder of his prime. If the Mets can get him to agree to an incentive laden contract, Nimmo would be well worth bringing back. Otherwise, it may be best to let him walk due to that injury history.

The New York Mets have a decision to make with Brandon Nimmo. His inability to stay on the diamond makes any extension a tricky proposition.