The Mets had an awesome Brandon Nimmo backup plan

According to the latest New York Mets rumors from Jon Heyman of the NY Post, the team had one of the better ideas to replace Brandon Nimmo in center field. Knowing the market at the position was slim, the team planned to sign Trea Turner and convert him from star shortstop to center fielder.

It’s the most brilliant thing the team could possibly do. Missing out on Nimmo means a huge downgrade at the position. However, Turner ended up signing with the Philadelphia Phillies to play shortstop and Nimmo is back in center field with the Mets where he belongs.

As great of a move as this would have been, it doesn’t seem like it would have ever been likely.

Mets rumors: Signing Trea Turner to play center field was a Hail Mary pass Billy Eppler never had to throw

Athletes love their routine. Nothing is more routine than playing the position they’ve known well over the course of their career.

It’s one of the reasons why we were a little more shocked to see Carlos Correa sign with the Mets to play third base. He has been a shortstop throughout his career. Turner has played other positions but shortstop is where he belongs for now.

Thinking about these Mets rumors further, it doesn’t seem like they would have gone quite to where the Phillies did to sign Turner to become a center fielder. There’s already the immediate risk of him being a complete flop at the position. Center field is much more different than going from shortstop to third base like Correa would have done.

It would have been questionable as well to see the team pay all of that money to Turner to swap positions while letting the beloved homegrown Nimmo leave. Turner has been a better player in his career, but is he worth over $100 million more in total contract value? The Mets could have had egg all over their face especially if Turner decided he was unhappy in center field.

As fans, we do tend to get caught up sometimes thinking winning is what matters to players most. Andrew McCutchen just signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates for the playing time despite having a better offer from the Mets. Maybe victory laps aren’t all they’re cracked up to be.