Proving Them All Wrong
Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo isn’t exactly playing like an underdog this season. Despite being left out of the All-Star Game, he’s out there making a name for himself in the Major League Baseball (MLB).
Let the Numbers Talk
Nimmo sports an impressive score of 5-for-17 (.294) with three home runs, one double, and nine runs batted in (RBIs) since the All-Star snub. Plus, he has an on-base plus slugging (OPS) of 1.177. That’s serious numbers!
Moreover, he is on a hot streak, hitting home runs in three straight games! And this isn’t just about showing off, it helped the Mets sweep the Washington Nationals and move into a playoff spot.
Putting Up a Fight
If you thought Nimmo’s impact was limited to recent games, think again. He is consistently pushing the envelope. His Wins Above Replacement (fWAR) for the season is the 10th highest in the National League (NL) and the best among all NL outfielders. What’s more, he leads all NL outfielders with 62 RBIs.
Throw in his 141 OPS+, .363 Weighted On-Base Average (wOBA), .831 OPS, and 16 home runs (third-most), and you have an All-Star-worthy portfolio.
Beyond the Stats
But it seems Nimmo’s worth isn’t just in his stats. Many consider him one of the most underrated hitters of his era. Often, he tends to fly below the radar, even though he consistently produces strong numbers at the top of the lineup and excels in the outfield. Add to that his enhanced power hitting abilities. Last season, he hit a career-high 24 home runs and boasted a .466 OPS.
Injury-Prone No More
Widely known as injury-prone, Nimmo broke out of this mold, thanks to training and tech. He played 151 and 152 games in 2022 and last season, respectively. The Mets believe in Nimmo’s potential so much so that they signed him for eight years, throwing in a hefty $162 million.
The All-Star Controversy
Nimmo’s name was absent when the All-Star rosters were revealed, a move that stunned his team, coaches, and even executives. Despite his impressive stats, he was edged out by Heliot Ramos, who replaced the injured Fernando Tatis Jr.
There are those who believe the All-Star Game voting process is flawed. After all, if the show is supposed to display the best talent, how can it proceed without Nimmo? Some would argue that his teammate Francisco Lindor was also overlooked.
Gearing Up for More
Nimmo isn’t taking things lying down. With three upcoming games against the Colorado Rockies, he could further prove his All-Star worth. It bears mentioning that Nimmo has a positive history against the Rockies, having a .337 career average along with 15 RBIs, six home runs, and a 1.017 OPS versus this team.
All in all, the Mets may have gained more from Nimmo being snubbed for the All-Star Game. It’s fired him up and the MLB may end up feeling silly for overlooking him.