Brandon Nimmo Cementing His Status as One of the NL’s Elite Outfielders
As the 2024 MLB season reaches its midpoint, New York Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo has firmly established himself as one of the premier players at his position in the National League. According to FanGraphs, Nimmo currently ranks third among all NL outfielders in fWAR (Wins Above Replacement) [1], a testament to his well-rounded contributions on both sides of the ball.
Nimmo’s offensive production has been a driving force behind the Mets’ success this season. Through 86 games, the 31-year-old is batting .252 with 16 home runs, 54 RBIs, and a .352 on-base percentage [2]. His ability to get on base consistently has been a key factor in the Mets’ lineup, setting the table for the team’s power hitters like Pete Alonso.
Despite his impressive numbers, Nimmo was surprisingly snubbed from the 2024 MLB All-Star Game roster, a decision that left many fans and analysts scratching their heads [3]. Nimmo’s exclusion was particularly puzzling given his strong performance this season and his status as one of the more accomplished outfielders in the National League over the past several years.
Undeterred by the All-Star snub, Nimmo has continued to excel on the field, leading the charge as the Mets have surged up the standings in the NL East. In a recent game against the Washington Nationals, Nimmo showcased his power and clutch hitting, crushing a three-run home run to give the Mets an early lead that they would not relinquish .
Nimmo’s ability to impact the game in multiple ways has been a key factor in the Mets’ success this season. In addition to his offensive prowess, the Wyoming native has also been a standout defensive player, using his speed and instincts to cover a lot of ground in the outfield.
“Brandon has been a rock for us all season long,” said Mets manager Buck Showalter. “He’s the kind of player that does all the little things right, and his contributions go far beyond just the numbers on the stat sheet. He’s a true leader on this team, and we’re lucky to have him.”
Nimmo’s journey to becoming one of the NL’s elite outfielders has been a steady climb. After being selected by the Mets in the first round of the 2011 MLB Draft, Nimmo made his big-league debut in 2016 and has since established himself as a consistent and reliable presence in the Mets’ lineup.
One of the hallmarks of Nimmo’s game has been his ability to get on base, a skill that has been a valuable asset for the Mets. His career on-base percentage of .379 is a testament to his keen eye at the plate and his willingness to work deep into counts .
“Brandon is the kind of player that you love to have on your team,” said Mets hitting coach Eric Chavez. “He’s got a great approach at the plate, he’s always working to improve his game, and he’s a true team player. He’s the kind of guy that makes everyone around him better.”
As the Mets continue their push for a playoff berth, Nimmo’s contributions will be crucial. With his combination of power, speed, and defensive prowess, he has the potential to be a game-changing player in the postseason.
“When you look at the top outfielders in the National League, Brandon Nimmo’s name has to be right at the top of the list,” said MLB analyst Tim Kurkjian. “He’s a complete player who can impact the game in so many different ways, and he’s only getting better with each passing year.”
With the All-Star break just around the corner, Nimmo will have another opportunity to showcase his talents and potentially earn a spot on the NL roster. Whether he makes the team or not, however, one thing is clear: Brandon Nimmo has firmly established himself as one of the elite outfielders in the game, and his impact on the Mets’ success this season cannot be overstated.