New York Mets: Finding Brandon Nimmo at-bats is an ongoing mission

One of the toughest challenges for New York Mets manager Mickey Callaway is finding at-bats for everyone. Specifically, it’s Brandon Nimmo who deserves more.

This summer, at a ballpark near you, discover the tale of a young outfielder and the manager who needs to find a way to get him to the plate. The New York Mets present, Finding Nimmo At-Bats.

Unlike a similarly titled saga about a fish, no one is lost here. Mets manager Mickey Callaway knows exactly what he has to do. He just doesn’t know how to accomplish it.

His mission, if he chooses to accept, is to get outfielder Brandon Nimmo into the lineup more often. Certainly no easy task with the depth the Mets have, it’s important the Mets learn exactly what the 25-year-old lefty can do.

Nimmo received a fair look with the Mets in 2017. He played in 69 games and stepped up to the plate 215 times. In those opportunities, he slashed .260/.379/.419. Additionally, Nimmo contributed five home runs.

Decent numbers for sure, there’s reason to believe Nimmo is capable of doing more.

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Since he began his professional career, Nimmo has been amazing at reaching base. He’s a walk machine, capable of working the count incredibly well. It’s a big reason why when Callaway does start him Nimmo finds his way to the top of the order.

In our analytics-heavy time world, it’s great news for Nimmo. A batting average is hardly taken into account when many managers write their lineups. To them, a walk is as good as a single.

Nimmo walks plenty and because of this valuable eye, he has a chance to contribute plenty for the Mets. However, it doesn’t help him see more action.

The Mets began the year with an incredibly full roster. At first base, Adrian Gonzalez got the call ahead of prospect Dominic Smith. In the outfield, Yoenis Cespedes and Jay Bruce play the corners with center field belonging primarily to Michael Conforto. Behind them, Nimmo and Juan Lagares fill in as the reserves.

If Bruce does eventually move to first base full-time, doors open up for Nimmo. Conforto could slide into right field and Nimmo could start against righties with Lagares filling in against left-handed starting pitchers.

This scenario is the best way to start seeing more of Nimmo. Quite frankly, it also gives the Mets a more sustainable chance at staying atop the National League East. They need a mix of talent in the lineup. Nimmo gives them tools others in the regular lineup do not.

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Until a shift is made, finding Nimmo regular at-bats will remain a difficult task. He’ll see a few starts here and there but will need to settle in for the ride with a view from the bench.