The Mets were one of the league’s most active teams before the lockout, and a significant portion of their early-offseason work came in the outfield. Just hours after agreeing to terms with corner outfielder Mark Canha on a two-year deal, the Mets reached an accord with center fielder Starling Marte on a four-year pact.
Despite that ample activity, new manager Buck Showalter said he and general manager Billy Eppler haven’t ruled out the possibility of further additions. “[The outfield] is something we have talked about, where we are,” Showalter told reporters (including Mike Puma of the New York Post) at New York’s minor league camp this afternoon. “We are on the same page with everything where that is concerned. It’s a scenario that we are examining to see if we feel comfortable with it. We’re always going to look within first.”
That’s obviously well short of a declaration that the Mets definitely will add outfield help whenever the transactions freeze concludes. Yet it’s notable they’re at least keeping that door open despite plenty of in-house options. Canha seems the presumptive favorite for work in left field, while Marte looks likely to play center field. That’d push Brandon Nimmo to right, although the Mets incumbent center fielder doesn’t seem enamored with that alignment.
Speaking with Tim Healey of Newsday this week, Nimmo suggested he’d prefer to remain in center field. The 28-year-old pointed out that public metrics like Defensive Runs Saved and Statcast’s Outs Above Average both graded him as a plus there last season. It was Nimmo’s best defensive performance in the estimation of those statistics, and a marked improvement over his -5 DRS and -4 OAA from 2020. Nimmo suggested that uptick is evidence that “if you give me information, if you allow me to make the adjustments, I will give it everything I got. I was very, very proud of the difference in the numbers from ’20 to ’21 and doing what they asked me to do and improving there.”
Nimmo, who is entering his final year of arbitration eligibility, also acknowledged to Healey that playing center field could be an added bonus as he’s on track to hit free agency next winter. The former first-round pick said he’d be open to discussing an extension with the Mets after the lockout but said the team and his representatives at the Boras Corporation hadn’t begun those discussions in the first stages of the offseason.
Whether the Mets will oblige Nimmo’s desire to stick in center, of course, remains an open question. He’d have little recourse other to play a corner outfield spot if the Mets penciled him into the lineup there, and he tells Healey he’s willing to do whatever the team asks anyhow. Yet it’s clear from his comments that Nimmo values the opportunity to continue playing up the middle, so Showalter and his staff will need to determine how they want to arrange that group on a regular basis. Marte was an excellent left fielder earlier in his career, but he’s not started a single game outside of center since 2017. There’s little doubt he could successfully readapt to a corner spot if necessary, but the Mets may prefer their defensive alignment with Marte up the middle and Nimmo in a corner.
As Showalter suggested today, there’s also the possibility of additional changes from a personnel perspective. New York could look into further free agent or trade pickups, although it seems likelier those would be of a depth variety given the moves they’ve already made. The Mets also have a trio of high-profile trade candidates with corner outfield experience. Each of Jeff McNeil, J.D. Davis and Dominic Smith has played left or right field in years past. They’d presumably be options to see some time out there again, but the Mets could look to move one or more members of that group after the lockout.
Superstar Prospect Wander Javier
He means they might move the fences back.
Please, Hammer. Don't hurt 'em.
It sounds like Nimmo pretty strongly disagrees with where the Mets plan to play him next season. I’m wondering if that’s why all this came up about another OFer. The CF market is very slim so the Mets could go sign someone like Castellanos, Schwarber or Suzuki and trade Nimmo to another team for prospects or pitching. They could probably get a big return if they traded a package of Nimmo, Davis, Smith and McNeil. With all the money he’s got I could see Cohen doing that for pitching and then signing Suzuki for right field and Castellanos or Schwarber to DH. That would be a hell of a lineup and the pitching would get better from the trade. They may want to hang onto McNeil though in case Cano flops.
Rsox
Since Buck isn’t the GM he really can’t rule out anything…
cleonswoboda
Buck has been the de facto GM everywhere he’s managed.
phenomenalajs
Well, they gave Eppler a decent contract, so I gather that’s his role. He was hired before Buck and signed Marte before then. I like Nimmo but it’s hard to make the argument that he’d be the best defensive option at CF after you just gave Marte a 4-year deal.
Dice 66
Trade for pitching! Never enough.
deweybelongsinthehall
I’m thinking the Mets will look for a big bat still and not worry about taxes regardless of the new CBA. Bryant anyone?
Dutch Vander Linde
Nimmo should just hush it and move over to right or keep the bench warm.
marcfrombrooklyn
Sure, push a guy with a .400 OBP and OPS above .800 to the bench. You should be a GM.
alproof
The reason Nimmo has a high OBP is because he can’t hit a meatball. He constantly fouls off batting practice fastballs until he finally walks. Package him with whoever for a slugging RF. Trade for/sign one or two more SPs; do NOT bring back Familia & Diaz but do something about that ‘pen.
tstats
So he makes a pitcher works and gets on base. Has speed. Sounds like a good leadoff man to have
@DaOldDerbyBastard
Great assessment on Nimmo. I can tell you’re an astute mind when it comes to baseball. Get rid of Diaz? Another brilliant comment. Ridiculous.
Mystery Team
Another Brandon Nimmo guy I see. Yes his on base is great due to his ability to draw a walk but how many ABs does he log in a season? He’s always injured and by always I mean always. He doesn’t have much pop in his bat and he’s not a demon on the basepaths he walks. I’m curious what his numbers would look like if he actually got 500 ABs. I bet they’d come down to Earth. Last year he had every opportunity to play every day but guess what, he played in 92 games. At some point the Nimmo guys are gonna have to accept that he’s a part time player because he hasn’t shown anyone he can stay healthy. As for playing CF over Marte well that’s a joke and I don’t care what the numbers look like the Mets just spent big on Marte and he’s the guy.
Mystery Team
Oh and for the guys that think the Mets will get something really great in return for Nimmo keep dreaming, the rest of the league also knows he can’t stay on the field.
kodiak920
Amen, brother.
Ma4170
I’m not a huge Nimmo guy, but some of you are selling him short… last 4 seasons, he has 1400 PA and has a 139 WRC+ and 136 OPS+… 267-398-457… as a comparison in the same time, Correa has 1650 PA, 121 WRC+, 118 OPS+, 266-347-465
Both have health issues but def contribute in different ways when healthy, and one is looking for $275M+
He’s not an elite player, but would absolutely bring back something solid in return
When it was a game.
I have said that in the past to great backlash. He gets on base. That’s it every other stat barely makes average. But as you said will never know. He can’t stay on the field. He is a 4th outfielder on contender. To be honest though the comment makes him come across like a real ahole
Al Hirschen
Kris Bryant and Kyle Schwarber
VonPurpleHayes
Lol. Where would they even play? How does this improve the team?
Ha-Seong Kim
Does Nimmo think pouting will make the Mets say, “you know what, maybe we stick Marte in right”?
He should’ve been asking for a trade after they signed marte if he wants to stick in center. I’m sure the Mets could grab a nice piece in return for him.
raisinsss
Nah bro.
I think Nimmo and anyone else who bothers to take a look at both 2021 performance in cf and trends in key metrics might make them say that.
Ha-Seong Kim
If he adjusts well then he shouldn’t have trouble adjusting to right field.
JoeBrady
Ha-Seong Kim12 hours ago
“you know what, maybe we stick Marte in right”?
================================
Maybe a better way to approach it is to ask “is Marte still a CF”?
dsett75
Exactly what I was thinking, Joe. Maybe Marte should slide over for health sake. Save his legs so he can steal 30…..maybe.
StudWinfield
He isn’t pouting at all, although the way Mr. Franco wrote this piece you might get that impression. If you read the remainder of his quotes in the source article he was simply citing metrics in his favor and openly acknowledged that playing more CF will have a betterment effect on his upcoming contract.
If he could consistently play 140+ games there are barely a handful of teams that he would not be playing everyday and batting leadoff.
raisinsss
Nimmo was a better cf than Marte in 2021.
Nimmo is trending upward.
Marte is trending downward.
Matter of time.
Ha-Seong Kim
Why sign a player trending downward to a 4 year deal? (Hint: Marte isn’t trending downward)
raisinsss
@Ha-seong
Thank you for the reminder of the generally poor quality of commenters here.
I thought it would be apparent that since my first statement was regarding cf defense, the second two were also regarding cf defense. And in that regard, Marte is getting worse.
But thank you again for that reminder that nothing of value comes from the mlbtr comments. It’s my own fault, really.
@DaOldDerbyBastard
Bye.
mlb1225
Defensively, Marte is trending downard. Offensively, he just posted his second best career OPS.
RobM
By the defensive stats, an argument can be made that Nimmo was better in CF last year. I don’t believe it. I think it’s noise in the machine. Defensive stats should best be looked at over a two- if not three-year period. That aside, Marte is 33, and very few CFers aren’t trending down at that age. I’d be a bit more concerned expecting him to repeat his 2021 at the plate. Career hitting years at 32 generally aren’t repeated. Regardless, he’s not showing signs of aging fast, so he should have a solid 2022.
raisinsss
I’m not quite sure what aging trends have to do with whether or not a player should start in a given position in spite of inferior defense.
Maybe that’s just me.
dsett75
I think they should slide Marte over.
RobM
It’s understandable Nimmo wants to stay in CF. It increases his value heading into his walk season. CFers are more valuable than LFers.
By the eye test and metrics, he was better defensively last year. Not sure, however, that will be enough to have him start in center above Marte. It’s a positive, regardless. In recent seasons, the Mets roster construction has been problematic. They now have two OFers on the team who can play CF effectively. Over the grind of a 162 games (I’ll remain optimistic), that’s a good thing. Provides for greater roster flexibility. Canha, Marte and Nimmo should make for a solid defensive unit.
MLB Top 100 Commenter
Marte is the CF most days. Nimmo is the CF the others.
A_Cespedes_For_The_Rest_Of_Us
Marte is a much better RF han Nimmo bc of arm while Nimmo is probably the better cf at this point but splitting hairs… So I think we see a pretty consistent split w Canha in RF and Nimmo in LF as a typical alignment when Marte plays cf and then Marte in RF when Nimmo plays CF
Honestly the best defensive alignment overall from sum of parts is prob Canha in LF Nimmo in CF and Marte in RF but I don’t think that will be the norm
A_Cespedes_For_The_Rest_Of_Us
To clarify my statement on Marte and RF — all theoretical based on tools as he’s never played the position — however he has a much stronger arm than Nimmo and should be able to play the position well despite his inexperience
Ignorant Son-of-a-b
Well there’s a CF opening in Seattle (as I see Kyle Lewis probably ensconced at DH) so yeah Jerry should make another fabulous trade with the ‘Mazing Mets for the services of one Brandon Nimmo.
The_Voice_Of_REASON
Stand strong Buck!!!
MarlinsFanBase
I’m p0retty sure every opposing NL East player wants Nimmo in the Mets OF Trust those defensive stats like Nimmo says. Clearly Nimmo proves that metrics are correct and that people like Showalter and others who use the eyeball test don’t know what they’re talking about.
Look how those metrics show how lethal Nimmo’s bat is when he keeps it on his shoulders. Strikes fear in every opposing team.
mookie1
Your posts are usually pretty accurate regarding my fellow Met fans delusions, especially Metsfan22. However, unless you are trolling like he likely is, you are completely wrong about Nimmo. He isn’t a superstar and he is frequently unavailable, but he is passable defensively and very good offensively.
Maybe you know better than data analysts, MLB evaluators and decision makers. Next off-season, he will likely be signing a 15-20 million dollar AAV contact primarily based on his ability to “keep the bat on his shoulder”.
MarlinsFanBase
Yet, the Mets are looking to get another OF when they already acquired two. Will they petition MLB to allow them to have 4 OFs on the field next year?
Maybe your new managerial hire doesn’t know baseball like those analytics guys…you know the same guys that depend on stats that the creators themselves say are works in progress.
I always love the word “passable” for any guy’s defense. Best euphemism ever for a guy that sucks at it.
And yes, the Mets will pay $20 million for him…outbidding the short line that will be offering less. There are still too many guys in organizations that aren’t willing to pay a ton for a guy that can’t hit his way on base, is a poor baserunner, and a bad defensive player (I mean “passable”). I can’t argue about $15 million because mediocrity makes $15 million nowadays.
Again, what do I know. I’m just paying attention to the Mets with Showalter looking for their third starting (or platoon) OFer of the offseason. Speaks to true value and trust in Nimmo’s “passable” skills.
mookie1
Oh, I see MLB teams should plan on three outfielders each playing all 162 games. You know that injuries happen, most likely to Nimmo. If miraculously everyone was healthy all year, it’s ideal to have guys play 125-135 anyway. That leaves 80-110 for a fourth outfielder.
I concede that Nimmo is an average outfielder, but he certainly doesn’t suck. He is a .260 hitter, which is also average. He is also an average baserunner (good speed, but makes mistakes). He is elite at getting on base, which makes him a good player overall.
Again, I have read a lot of your posts, and respect your knowledge. However, to not acknowledge that Nimmo is a good player who just can’t stay healthy, is ridiculous.
MarlinsFanBase
Let me see…He’s got good speed (which I’ve said often), but makes mistakes as you concede as I’ve said. Our conclusions are different here. You call that average. I see a baserunner, regardless of speed, who makes as many mistakes as he does, as a bad base runner.
You see him as an average OF. Again, we differ in evaluating that. He is not an average OF. He’s pretty bad. He’s not awful like the Manny Ramirez, Garrett Cooper, Junior Felix types, but he’s a bad OF. He’s obviously not awful.
.260 we can obviously agree is nothing to write home about. Considering that is what he does when he swings the bat, and offers no real HR threat and bad baserunning, what value does he have offensively when pitchers pound the strikezone against him? I think we see that when the Mets face pitchers that throw strikes and the Mets struggle to score because their leadoff hitter can’t hit his way on consistently, can’t help manufacture runs because he’s a poor baserunner (despite nice speed) and clogs up the bases, and can’t drive himself in with a big bomb to make up for the poor baserunning.
Okay, so he walks a lot. Those are dependent on pitchers that can’t find the strikezone. Guess what type of pitchers do teams that make the Playoffs have.
So, again we differ on evaluating him. To me, when you suck on the bases, suck on defense, can’t offer any offensive threat with the bat when you swing it, and your only weapon is dependent on pitchers walking you, to me you’re not a good player. You’re mediocre to average at best. Far from being the All Star caliber that Mets fans make him out to be, and distinctly not a good player. He is not a keeper. He’s not a cornerstone player for a franchise. He’s barely a starting player. And his job security with the Mets has been solely dependent on the fact that Sandy Alderson has been trying to see if he can save face by giving Nimmo every opportunity to prove that Alderson didn’t lay an egg when he drafted Nimmo as high as he did…over Jose Fernandez, Kolten Wong, Sonny Gray, Dante Bichette Jr., Blake Snell, Trevor Story, Mookie Betts, Marcus Semien and others. After all, at the time, he bet the Mets future on Nimmo as a franchise piece, and he’s not even Gregg Jefferies caliber.
mookie1
Agree to disagree. I’ll take a guy who gets on base at a .400 clip with decent pop (.830 OPS) at the top of the order. If the Mets ever make the playoffs again, I’ll worry about Nimmo being able to hit elite pitching.
MarlinsFanBase
Maybe the Mets need a different leadoff hitter or Nimmo as a bench player to make the playoffs? Didn’t you ever consider that with the other pieces they’ve had in their lineup that they can’t make the playoffs, and they leave a bunch of men on base, because of Nimmo as a factor (not solely, but one of the factors)? They’ve had McNeil who has shown he can hit in his good years. They’ve had Conforto who has had a couple of solid years. They’ve had Alonso who is a power hitter. They’ve had other guys that have put up some nice numbers here and there. Yet, despite that, Nimmo’s career high in runs scored is 77. More competent baserunners would score more than that when in front of the guys I mentioned. A guy with a threatening bat would be more impacting and result in self-scoring opportunities. What’s the point of walking against pitchers that walk him if he can’t run the bases correctly to help the Mets manufacture runs?
Again, didn’t you ever consider that Nimmo is one of the factors as to why the Mets haven’t made the playoffs, and why they have struggled to score runs? Bad baserunner with a shaky, non-threatening bat as your leadoff hitter? That and team offensive struggles usually go hand and hand.
But we can agree to disagree.
mookie1
I know you watch some Mets games, because they play the Marlins 19 times a year, but I watch 162. The Mets haven’t been good offensively because they don’t hit with runners in scoring position and are terrible at generating productive outs and sac flies.
Nimmo isn’t a station to station runner. Do you think he made 50 outs on the bases? Of course not, he might have run into 5 outs in addition to his times being caught stealing. If he were to stay healthy (not likely given his track record), and the guys behind him produced league average, he would score 125 runs.
The Mets don’t want to upgrade because Nimmo isn’t a good offensive player, they need depth because he can’t stay healthy. That makes him less valuable and flawed, but still a guy most teams would want in their lineup.
It’s painful being a Met fan. Believe me, I would switch my allegiance if I could. But they are like family, and I’m stuck with them until death. It would have been nice if the Mets drafted Fernandez, Wong or Story, but a few of the guys taken ahead of Nimmo were much bigger busts. I’m happy with Nimmo, the Mets have much bigger flaws.
48-team MLB
The Mets should be excellent in March. April-September will be a different story.
Keithyim
Sick burn
Freddie Morales
So many are suggesting the Mets sign Bryant but I think they sign cheaper, LH power bat in Schwarber instead. He can hit behind Alonso and give Mets a 2nd legit power bat
stymeedone
If you looked at that bunch of back ups they currently have, its much more likely they look for a solid defensive OF, than another bat. Jake Marsnick or Billy Hamilton on a spring training invite is a better fit.
brucenewton
Marte has the contract. He’ll play center. Nimmo is probably the better defensive CF. Canha isn’t much of an outfielder. He should ideally DH.
HBan22
The Mets would be wise to invest the rest of their money and/or trade chips (Dom Smith, J.D. Davis) in their pitching staff. They need at least one more good starter and one more good bullpen arm. The offense is looking pretty solid as is, but the pitching staff clearly lacks depth and dependability.
Dorothy_Mantooth
If there’s one positive to take from this lockout it’s that the big league managers get a chance to evaluate their team’s young, minor league prospects in person this year (those who are not on the 40 man roster of course). These kids must be thrilled for the opportunity to perform in front of the MLB manager in camp and for the chance to get to know them personally. There’s going to be a lot of ‘maximum effort’ on display when the big league manager is present. Hopefully, all managers from all clubs plan to be in MiLB camp full time until the lockout is over. It’s a great opportunity for some youngsters to make a lasting impression on the big league skipper.
@DaOldDerbyBastard
Love it.
GarryHarris
The Mets have two Full time OFs. Brandon Nimmo is not a full time player. He’s only slightly better than JaCoby Jones.
A_Cespedes_For_The_Rest_Of_Us
Terrible take… Kudos on being clueless.
VonPurpleHayes
What I’m learning from these comments is that Nimmo is one of the most under appreciated players out there.
LordD99
I suspect Mets fans love Nimmo. I’ve learned never to judge the overall popularity of players by social media and sports boards. Seems to attract the more negative fans.
krussMETS
I get embarrassed when some of my fellow Met fans rag on Nimmo. I get that he misses a lot of time due to injury. But to say he isn’t a valuable player when he’s on the field is ridiculous and it’s gotten to the point that it’s exhausting to argue against the folks who disagree.
JoeBrady
krussMETS30 mins ago
I get embarrassed when some of my fellow Met fans rag on Nimmo.
=======================================
That’s the same with a lot of teams. On average, if I want an honest opinion about my RS, I’d rather hear from a Yankee fan. 1/3 of the fans have a straightforward opinion, 1/3 of the fans love ALL their players, and 1/3 HATE all their players.
IRT Nimmo, GarryHarris compared him to Jacoby Jones. Jones career bWAR is 1.1. Nimmo’s 2021 bWAR was 3.6. It staggers the imagination that someone could be that far off. IMO, Nimmo is a terrific talent that just can’t stay on the field.
RobM
@Joe, there seems to be a strange correlation between the most opinionated fans often being the least knowledgable. Generally, though, we all love baseball, so that’s a positive. It’s difficult to get angry at something if you don’t love it. That’s why it’s always a bit funny when I read comments from people swearing off baseball if a single game is lost. Nope. Those are exactly the fans who aren’t going away!
JoeBrady
RobM4 hours ago
I read comments from people swearing off baseball if a single game is lost. Nope. Those are exactly the fans who aren’t going away!
================================
Those people are either not real fans, or not real normal.
If you love something, you’re going to leave because of 1-2 bad weeks? How would that person stay in a job or in a marriage? I mean, it’s been 28 years since they lost a single game to a strike. And this is going to affect your life-long love of the game? I doubt it.
For me, LMK when the new opening day is. I’m taking the day off, going to the diner, and then going to the pub for the entire day (or whatever portion of the day I can manage). I won’t think twice about whether that is April 1st of May 1st.
RobM
Agreed. I told myself I wasn’t going to pay too much attention until I heard there’s an agreement. I’ve mostly failed because I love baseball, so I keep following. They’ll be an agreement, probably within a couple weeks. Then we all move forward.
mookiesboy
Suzuki is the play. Full time RF. Cost effective, good D Nimmo plays out his final year and leaves
VonPurpleHayes
Suzuki’s demand has erased the idea that he’ll be cost effective. So many teams are in on Suzuki, that he’ll be overpaid. Another OF for the Mets is a luxury, not a need. Pitching is the need.
padam
I suspect the additional piece for the OF will be depth as they anticipate moving Davis and/or Smith. Nimmo isn’t bad, he just hasn’t stayed healthy and that’s a point of frustration. Saying he’s a solid player is only meaningful if he’s on the field. Outside of the one year in which he played 140 games (and performed very well), he’s struggled to stay on the field. The expectations of being a #1 pick and playing in NY are going to be magnified, and rightfully so, but at the same time his potential is certainly higher than that of Canha. Will be interesting to see how he’s handled after watching them not resign Conforto. Personally I’d like to have had Conforto return, but not at what he’s most likely looking for in a contract.
jessaumodesto
Wonder if Carlos Beltran could give them an AB or two?
Tom Price
Kris Bryant.
jim stem
The Mets would be smart to add outfield depth. Nimmo has played in more than 70 games only twice in seven years. He’s a free agent after this year. The only way the Mets should even think about extending him is if he actually is available to then for a full season. Another campaign with multiple trips to the IL is more a possibility than him scoring 60 runs.
All points are leaving to a hot pursuit of Kris Bryant. Nimmo would start when he’s able with Bryant starting at 3b. As soon as Nimmo hits the IL, Bryant moved back to the grass with numerous options covering 3b.
To beat the dead horse, I just don’t see enough at bats to go around to keep Davis, Smith, McNeil and Cano happy. Smith is the logical choice to STAY because he probably becomes the every day 1b with Alonso shifting to DH. Not for nothing, pretty sure they all have options left, too.
McNeil’s position as back up 2b/4th outfielder is weak, especially if he doesn’t impress Buck this spring. Guillorme is more valuable with his defense at 3 positions and bat to ball skills. Davis only sticks if Dom is traded because he round become the every day DH keeping Pete at 1b. I could see Dom or McNeil starting the season at AAA, especially if neither impresses pre-season.
I can totally see Bryant being signed and maybe even trading Nimmo, who has scored more than 55 runs in a season twice and due a significant raise or contract after this year.
Add Greinke to the back end of the rotation along with Duffy (June return), Trevor Rosenthal and another lefty to the ‘pen, sign Bryant and let’s play ball even without any trades.
A_Cespedes_For_The_Rest_Of_Us
McNeil is the starting 2b and the Mets aren’t getting Bryant
jim stem
Ironically, Canha and Nimmo are very similar players. The difference bring Canha has played over 120 games 4 times in his 7 years. Probably would have seen a lot more action if it wasn’t for platoons.
jim stem
And lastly, the Mets already have Nimmo’s replacement on their 40 man roster: Khalil Lee.
Lee has the same on base skills, more power and way more speed. Lee probably makes the team as the 4th outfielder, eventually taking over every day center field duties this season. No one expects Nimmo, Marte or Canha to all play 150 games. Someone needs to be out there every day and produce when the starting three aren’t available. Bryant is one part of the answer, Lee is the other.
Sid Bream Speed Demon
Didn’t Lee stink CitiField up last year? Like struck out in 14 straight AB’s or something?
NMK 2
Look up the definition of growth. I’m not sold on him being MLB-ready yet, but I did read stories about Lee looking significantly better by the end of the season.
Bill M
He looked pretty bad. He’s highly touted but frankly has shown nothing at the major league level. To be fair, he hasn’t been expected to yet. The jury is still out on Lee
NMK 2
Don’t fully agree with the analysis, but stats about Lee’s second half are solid. Way too early to cast him off.
amazinavenue.com/2022/1/19/22887457/top-25-mets-pr…
Bill M
Yup. Too early to cast him off & too early to name him as Nimmo’s replacement.
JoeBrady
I would stick with what they have, and keep Lee in the minors for a year (or as an injury callup). At worst, they have 3 starting outfielders, plus Smith, plus maybe McNeil, so I don’t see a need for another outfielder.
Stick with what they have, invest in pitching, and promote Lee in 2023 to replace Nimmo. I’d rather pay minimum wage for a rookie than pay full freight for marginal upgrades.
RobM
@jim stem, Lee may have similar skills, but on a much lower level. Nimmo is 30% above average as a MLB hitter. Lee is not going to ever approach that. Not saying he won’t be a major leaguer, but there’s no guarantee he’ll stick, or be more than a 4th OFer.
Dumpster Divin Theo
Oh are they?
leftykoufax
I think Nimmo deserves another shot, especially with there improved lineup around him, it could help.
Kevin Michael Farrell
Until they decide we are even having a season, this is all just a bunch of gibberish!
dsett75
Marte should slide over to the corner. So he could save his legs and steal some bases.
Bill M
I can see that happening at some point during the season. When the season finally starts, he’s gotta be in CF.
NMK 2
Not saying this is anything more than pure conjecture or that I want any part of it, but I recently read something about Conforto and possible interest returning to Flushing. Maybe that’s what Buck is hinting at?
sox4ever
Bryant or back to Conforto?
Yep it is
Nimrod is an 4th outfielder at best.
A_Cespedes_For_The_Rest_Of_Us
Yeah most fourth of’s have a career ops of 838 and an ops+ north of 130…
Plenty of argument to be made about his inability to stay healthy but the idea that he’s not an above average starting of when healthy is pure idiocy
bobg529
The Mets need to add at least one more front line starting pitcher to their rotation. That’s a given. They also need another bat. With the seemingly certainty addition on the DH role to the mix, that bat should be a quality outfielder. They should retain McNeil as infield depth and should look to trade Smith and Davis. Nimmo has become an adequate fielder. He’s certainly no gold glove, but at least I don’t feel like I need to look away every time a ball is hit in his direction. He can get some starts in center, but for now Marte’ is certain to be the every day center fielder for the foreseeable future.