Mets free agent prediction: Where Brandon Nimmo will sign and for how much

Where will Brandon Nimmo play baseball in 2023? Many New York Mets fans are hoping it’s around 81 games at Citi Field. Nimmo is reaching free agency for the first time in his career this offseason and is definitely a keeper.

Nimmo’s ability to reach base, hit, and growth as a defender in center field make him a huge priority for New York.

Already, we’ve learned the Colorado Rockies are hoping to sign the Wyoming-native to a contract. The ante has been upped. Can the Mets retain him or will we predict Nimmo lands somewhere else?

Mets free agent prediction: Brandon Nimmo re-signs for five-years, $105 million

It’s never easy to know where MLB rumors come from. When dealing with Scott Boras, Nimmo’s agent, there’s usually a little bit of hesitance. The Rockies would definitely make sense for Nimmo. A different question to ask: does Nimmo make sense for the Rockies?

Colorado signed Kris Bryant to a huge deal last offseason and could look to add more this winter. However, they have some major issues. The offense might be in need of a boost. The far greater need is to figure out what to do with the pitching staff. Coors Field remains a place where hitters thrive and pitchers get embarrassed on a regular basis.

The Mets might have to get a little too creative in order to find a suitable replacement for Nimmo. Moving Starling Marte to center field doesn’t mesh with the way they’ve handled players defensively over the last two seasons. He is profiling more as a corner outfielder these days. The same would be true if the Mets went out and signed Aaron Judge. He belongs in right field with starts in center as needed.

The prediction I’m making: Nimmo remains with the Mets. A five-year deal worth $105 million for a guy with only two seasons of 100+ games played is a pretty sweet deal. It pushes him over the $100 million mark which is probably a goal of Boras’ for his favorite client from Wyoming.

A lifetime .269/.385/.441 hitter throughout his career, Nimmo remains the best option for the Mets in center field next season. Steve Cohen might get outbid for some players. It won’t happen for guys the team already employs.