3 offseason decisions that make Billy Eppler look like a genius

This offseason was certainly one of major roster change and hard choices to make for Billy Eppler and the New York Mets.

The Mets had four fifths of their rotation, their top three relievers, and their dynamic leadoff hitter all hit free agency last winter, and the Mets retained half of them, while having to find external replacements for their 2023 roster.

But for some knack that Eppler received this winter, there were three moves that have paid dividends so far for the 2023 Mets.

Brandon Nimmo continues to get on base at a high clip for the Mets.

One of the priorities for the Mets was to bring back Brandon Nimmo, and that they did, on an 8-year, $162 million deal. Nimmo earned that money by improving every year defensively, and posting a .385 on-base percentage and an OPS+ of 130 in his first seven seasons in the majors. Health was a concern, though he played a career-high 151 games last season.

Nimmo has simply kept getting on base, putting pressure on the opposing pitcher. He has a .468 on-base percentage this year, aided by a major league leading 14 walks and a .289 batting average. And he drove in the game-winning run in yesterday's game in the 7th inning.

Nimmo is also taking advantage of the new rules when it comes to stealing bases. as we wanted him to do. He already has three stolen bases on the season, which is as many as he has had all of last season, and is one of the toughest hitters to strike out.

The lineup just feels stronger and longer when Nimmo's bat is at the top every day.