Brandon Nimmo's health is paramount in 2024
The outfielder is easing into spring in an effort to stay healthy during the season.
What’s up with the Mets? 🍎
The Mets lost a rain-shortened game to the Astros by a score of 5-2 in six innings (Box)
Adrian Houser got the start and gave up 3 runs in 1.2 innings
Brandon Nimmo made his Grapefruit League debut went 0-for-2 in his spring debut
José Buttó appeared in relief for the Mets and struck out two in an inning of work
Roster Moves 🗞️
RHP Dominic Hamel, OF Drew Gilbert, RHP Eric Orze, C Kevin Parada, RHP Cam Robinson, RHP Christian Scott, RHP Mike Vasil, INF Jett Williams, and LHP Danny Young were reassigned to minor league camp
INF Luisangel Acuña and LHP Kolton Ingram were optioned to Triple-A Syracuse
Today’s Game 🗓
Mets have the day off before resuming play against the Yankees on March 5.
The Mets need to keep Brandon Nimmo healthy if they want to have a successful season ✍️
Over the past two seasons, Brandon Nimmo played in over 150 games and was an important table setter at the top of the lineup for Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso.
After injuries limited him in 2021, Nimmo came into camp with a game plan to keep him healthy for the 2022 season, and not only was he able to accomplish that goal, he was also able to demonstrate what he is capable of doing over a full slate of games. That year, he played in a then career-high 151 games, produced a 130 OPS+ and did so as the club’s every day center fielder.
He then played in a career-high 152 games last year with a similar overall output but also made a concerted effort to hit for more power. He set a career-high with 24 home runs and 68 RBI in 2023 as well.
The key of course has been Nimmo has found a way to keep himself on the field for two straight years, with the Mets enjoying the benefits of the healthiest version of Nimmo as a result. Hopefully both he and the team can continue to execute this formula so they can continue to maximize Nimmo’s output.
Easing into spring training is just the start of keeping him on the field in 2024. He will also be shifting over to left field with Harrison Bader taking over centerfield duties so it remains to be seen what impact, if any, learning a semi-new position will have on him.
Jeff McNeil and Starling Marte are looking for bounce back seasons after their down years which makes Nimmo’s reliability at the top of the lineup that much more important. For his career, Nimmo owns an incredible OBP of .380, but if he can replicate last season’s number of .363 the top of the lineup should be in pretty good shape.
The numbers back up Nimmo’s importance to the team. Since he entered the league in 2016, in wins he is batting .312/.423/.524 with a OPS of .947. In losses those numbers drop significantly. He bats just .226/.336/.368 with an OPS of .704.
He’s not necessarily the straw that stirs the drink a la Reggie Jackson but his impact on the team cannot be overlooked. Especially this year where their depth is a bit thin in the outfield.
If he goes down with injury, DJ Stewart or Tyrone Taylor could see action in left. Or McNeil moves to the outfield and Joey Wendle starts getting regular starts in the infield. Either way, those scenarios are less than ideal which makes Nimmo all the more important this season.
Between the volatility of the rotation, the bullpen, and a few spots in the lineup the steadying presence of Nimmo at the top of the lineup will be most welcome as the 2024 season gets underway.
Around the League 🚩
The Diamondbacks signed Elvis Andrus to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training
The Phillies are reportedly interested in signing Blake Snell to a short term deal (Nightengale)
Shohei Ohtani had a big day at the plate, going 3-for-3 with a triple, two RBIs, and two runs scored against the Rockies
Juan Soto blasted his third home run of spring in the Yankees’ 7-2 loss to the Tigers
Former Pirate Ed Ott passed away at the age 72