Brandon Nimmo has reported to Port St. Lucie, and is currently in line to start in center field for the Mets on Opening Day.
Since 2019, Nimmo has played 593 of his 910.1 defensive innings in center field, so it is not new territory for him, but he owns a -8 DRS in center since then, compared to a combined 3 DRS in the corner outfield spots.
The Mets have been in the hunt for a plus-defender in center field, but Nimmo says he is ready to take on the role.
“I’ve been getting ready this whole offseason for it. But I’ve been trying to communicate with the front office and Luis [Rojas], the manager,” said Nimmo. “‘Hey, if you guys want me in center field, I’m ready and I’m more than willing.’ Now, it’s good to be able to kind of focus in on that. We’ve been doing regular defensive drills out here. We’ll continue to do that, and we’ll continue to get ready to play center field for 2021.”
Nimmo, like many others, is also excited for the moves the Mets have made in the offseason.
“I’m really excited for 2021. We’ve got some great players on this team. We made some great moves,” he said. “I’m very, very excited to meet guys for the first time and to welcome back old friends. I think it’s gonna be a great mixture, and a lot of good team chemistry.
“I’m looking forward to it, and we’re looking forward to really competing, staying healthy this year, and trying to win a World Series.”
Nimmo was recently named the 89th best player in baseball by the MLB Network, and is coming off a 2020 season where he had career-highs in batting average (.280), slugging percentage (.484), and OPS (.888).
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].