In a lot of ways, the 2022 season was a success for the New York Mets.
The Mets were finally able to return to the postseason for the first time since 2016. Their 101 wins were the second most in franchise history. Buck Showalter made history in his first season at the helm as the Mets proved that they are about to become a force to be reckoned with. But ultimately, they fell short of Steve Cohen’s championship goal.
Three players for New York Mets to target
This offseason finds the Mets at a difficult spot. They will need to remake their rotation, especially as co-ace Jacob deGrom is a free agent. The bullpen could use another arm or two, center field could be a question mark, and the Mets need depth. Fortunately, they have an owner willing to spend whatever it takes, to the point where he has his own place in the luxury tax threshold. Money will not be an object for the Mets’ quest to win another title.
The New York Mets have a lot of work to do for a team that won 101 games in 2022. Let’s look at three players they should target this offseason.
Brandon Nimmo
The most obvious player happens to be one they are intimately familiar with.
The Mets had named Edwin Diaz and Brandon Nimmo as their top priorities heading into the offseason as they looked to solidify the ninth inning and center field going forward. While the Mets were able to achieve one objective by bringing Diaz back, Nimmo remains on the market.
Nimmo has become an important part of the lineup, hitting leadoff in all but one of his 148 starts last season. He has been a weapon atop the lineup, posting a .274/.367/.433 batting line with 16 homers and 30 doubles over his 673 plate appearances.
In theory, the Mets have pieces to slot atop the lineup if Nimmo leaves. Mark Canha and Starling Marte can work in the leadoff spot. However, Nimmo provides a dynamic sparkplug that has proven to be the piece they need in center as well. There is no question as to why he is the Mets’ top priority.
The New York Mets identified Brandon Nimmo as one of their top priorities this offseason. Money is not going to be an obstacle to making that happen.