Once the New York Mets lost Jacob deGrom to the Texas Rangers, they clearly saw it as a sign to act fast. The next day, they signed Justin Verlander to a two-year deal. Now on Thursday, according to reports, not only did the Mets re-sign outfielder Brandon Nimmo to an eight-year deal, they added veteran reliever David Robertson for one year and $10 million. The Nimmo deal was first reported by MLB Network and confirmed by Jeff Passan of ESPN, who also reported the Robertson deal. The club has yet to confirm either signing.
Outfielder Brandon Nimmo and the New York Mets are in agreement on an eight-year, $162 million contract, sources familiar with the deal tell ESPN. The Mets keep their center fielder and the biggest payroll in baseball only gets bigger.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 9, 2022
Nimmo, a highly coveted free-agent target, will now command an average salary of over $20 million. With these moves, the Mets not only lock down their leadoff spot, but also add a veteran who played a key role in a World Series run.
Mets Re-Sign Brandon Nimmo
Although the Mets couldn’t retain deGrom, re-signing Nimmo was also high on their free agency wishlist. The center fielder enjoyed a breakout year in 2022. In 151 games, he posted career highs in hits (159), RBI (64), and runs scored (102). Nimmo also led the National League with seven triples.
By re-signing Nimmo, the Mets are locking up a leadoff hitter with an .827 career OPS entering his age-30 season. With seven years of big-league experience, he already brings veteran leadership. As he further enters his prime, Nimmo will now remain a table-setter for a powerful Mets lineup. If he gets on base at a decent clip, hitters like Starling Marte, Pete Alonso, and Francisco Lindor should find RBI opportunities galore.
Mets Add David Robertson
With the signing of Robertson, the Mets further strengthen a terrific bullpen. The 37-year-old righty has pitched in 14 big-league seasons with five different teams. After winning a title with the New York Yankees in 2009, Robertson was a key ingredient in the Philadelphia Phillies‘ run to this year’s Fall Classic.
Reliever David Robertson and the New York Mets are in agreement on a one-year, $10 million contract, a source familiar with the deal tells ESPN.
First Brandon Nimmo. Now David Robertson. Mets just keep getting better.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 9, 2022
Acquired at the trade deadline, D-Rob posted six saves with a 2.70 ERA in 22 regular season appearances. In October, he played a key role out of the pen and excelled. In 7 2/3 innings across eight games, Robertson only surrendered one run. This includes four shutout innings in the World Series, where the Phils fell to the Houston Astros.
Robertson will now complement star closer Edwin Diaz in the Mets bullpen. Perhaps adding another player with the October gene, so to speak, will help New York go further in future postseasons.
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
Players mentioned:
Jacob deGrom, Justin Verlander, Brandon Nimmo, David Robertson, Starling Marte, Pete Alonso, Francisco Lindor, Edwin Diaz
