The New York Mets have announced their plan to shift Brandon Nimmo from center field to left field for the 2024 season. This decision was revealed by manager Carlos Mendoza during a recent press conference. The move comes in light of the team’s signing of Harrison Bader to a one-year, $10.5MM contract during the offseason.
While the move may not come as a surprise, considering Bader’s reputation as one of the sport’s top defensive players in center field, it is still significant. Just a year ago, Nimmo’s ability to handle center field played a role in the Mets’ decision to re-sign him to a lucrative eight-year, $162MM contract. However, President of baseball operations David Stearns had previously mentioned that the team had not yet settled on a specific outfield alignment.
Despite this, the Mets have opted for what seemed to be the most probable option. With Bader on a one-year deal, there is a possibility that Nimmo may return to center field in the future, especially in the event of an injury to Bader. However, for the time being, Mendoza made it clear that the plan is to have Nimmo in left field, Bader in center field, and Starling Marte in right field for most games.
Mendoza commended Nimmo for his willingness to make the move. Nimmo himself expressed his dedication to winning a World Series and stated that he would do whatever it takes to achieve that goal, including adjusting his position on the field if it improves the team’s chances.
On paper, the Mets should have a strong defensive outfield. While Nimmo’s defensive performance in center field declined in 2023, both Statcast and Ultimate Zone Rating rated him as roughly average. Defensive Runs Saved, however, viewed his performance more negatively. Bader, on the other hand, ranks fourth among all MLB players in Statcast’s Outs Above Average metric since 2018. In the same period, he is tied for 18th in Defensive Runs Saved. Marte had a challenging year in 2023 due to a groin strain and migraines, but he has previously been regarded as an elite left fielder. Therefore, a return to solid glovework in right field is not out of the question.
It is likely that Nimmo will still see some time in center field this season. Bader has been on the injured list seven times in the past three seasons, with various injuries such as a fractured rib, plantar fasciitis, and strains. The aggressive style of play that Bader employs puts him at risk of injuries. While it leads to spectacular plays, it also results in bumps, bruises, and potential time on the IL.
Looking ahead, the Mets’ outfield alignment could continue to evolve in the near future. Drew Gilbert, an outfielder acquired from the Astros, is considered one of the top 100 prospects in the game and could make a push for a spot in the majors this season. He specializes in center field and has a good chance of establishing himself in that position. The upcoming free agent class for center fielders is relatively thin, unless Cody Bellinger signs a deal that allows him to become a free agent again next winter. However, if the Bader experiment proves successful, there is always the possibility of exploring a longer-term arrangement between the two parties.
According to the Source mlbtraderumors.com