Browsing: Nimmo

NEW YORK — Brandon Nimmo went first. Then it was Edwin Díaz and Pete Alonso on back-to-back days at baseballâ€s winter meetings.

Three fan favorites headed out the door in 2 1/2 weeks — a powerful gut punch to angry New York Mets fans wondering what on earth the front office is thinking.

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As the club embarks on a major makeover, suffice to say owner Steve Cohen and president of baseball operations David Stearns are not the most popular couple in Queens right now.

“Iâ€m very optimistic about where our offseason is headed,†Stearns said in Florida, before news of Alonsoâ€s signing with Baltimore. “We certainly have work to do, but there are many good players out there. Iâ€m confident weâ€ll like where our team is once we get to opening day.â€

What a difference a year makes, though.

Cohen and Stearns were the toast of the town last December, beating out the crosstown New York Yankees for prized free agent Juan Soto with a record $765 million contract.

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That came on the heels of an unanticipated thrill ride to the 2024 National League Championship Series, after Stearns scored big with several unheralded acquisitions during his first year in charge: Sean Manaea, Luis Severino, Jose Iglesias and Tyrone Taylor.

Surely with Cohenâ€s bankroll and Stearns†brain, the Mets were poised to take a large bite out of the Big Apple for years to come.

Yankees, be damned. Dodgers, on notice. Phillies, fuhgeddaboudit!

But as their top rivals continued to flourish this year, the Mets finished 83-79 and missed the playoffs. Baseballâ€s second-biggest spenders, at $429 million in payroll and projected luxury tax, went 38-55 in a stunning collapse after building the best record in the majors (45-24) through June 12.

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The day after the season ended, Stearns took the blame for failing at the trade deadline and Cohen apologized to fans on social media. The coaching staff under manager Carlos Mendoza soon was overhauled.

Many figured Cohen, one of the wealthiest owners in sports, would quickly reach into his robust wallet this winter — at least to keep Díaz and Alonso from leaving in free agency. But that hasnâ€t really happened.

“Steve gives us everything we need,†Stearns said. “We have a lot of resources. No team has unending resources.â€

After the Mets signed two-time All-Star reliever Devin Williams to a three-year, $51 million contract, Díaz agreed to a three-year, $69 million deal with the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers, subject to a successful physical.

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Media reports indicated New York was outbid by only about $3 million for Díaz, who arrived in 2019 and ranks third in franchise history with 144 saves.

Then, news broke that Alonso agreed to a five-year, $155 million contract with Baltimore, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal was pending a physical.

The person said the Mets expressed interest in again retaining the slugging first baseman, which they did last offseason, but decided to wait and see what happened between Alonso and other teams rather than press a pursuit themselves.

“Iâ€m flabbergasted,†Mets broadcast analyst and former pitcher Ron Darling said on MLB Network.

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“Maybe they get in the Kyle Tucker race now, for a legit bat in the outfield. But itâ€s just, these last two days have to really be hard on Mets fans.â€

All this after Nimmo, the ebullient outfielder who was the longest-tenured player on the team, waived the no-trade provision in his contract and accepted a deal to Texas for Gold Glove second baseman Marcus Semien.

“Thatâ€s three unbelievably great players, beloved by the fan base, have proven that they can pitch or play in New York. Thatâ€s not an easy thing, right?†Darling said. “And now, all gone.â€

Alonso and Nimmo combined for 63 homers and 218 RBIs last season.

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“Theyâ€ve now paid Soto ($765) million to walk 150 times next year,†Darling said.

Stearns grew up in Manhattan rooting for the Mets, and Cohen was a fervent fan even before buying the club five years ago. But theyâ€ve shown little sentimentality when it comes to valuing core players, and Stearns said after trading Nimmo that “running back the exact same group wasnâ€t the right thing to do.â€

Reports of clubhouse tension emerged in recent weeks, though Mendoza challenged that notion.

Alonso holds the franchise record with 264 home runs. He and Nimmo join a notable list of homegrown Mets stalwarts who eventually went elsewhere — from Tug McGraw, Tom Seaver, Jerry Koosman and Jon Matlack to Darryl Strawberry, Dwight Gooden, José Reyes and Jacob deGrom.

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David Wright remains one of the few star position players to spend his entire career in blue and orange.

The pressure on Stearns, a small-market success in Milwaukee, now increases exponentially to plug several big holes and rebuild a contender. Third baseman Mark Vientos could shift to first as Alonsoâ€s replacement, but New Yorkâ€s particular plans are unclear. And the more quality players who leave, the harder it becomes to convince free agents the Mets are currently equipped to win.

These things are certain:

Defense and baserunning are priorities for Stearns.

He seems very reluctant to give players in their 30s contracts longer than three years.

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And he believes in putting youth on the field, seeking roster flexibility and space at positions that will provide playing opportunities for the promising hitters in a highly rated farm system such as Carson Benge, Jett Williams and Ryan Clifford.

“Our resources that we have here are an enormous advantage,†Stearns said. “And as long as we allocate those resources intelligently, theyâ€re going to continue to be an enormous advantage.â€

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Mets fans have been left dazed and despondent by what has transpired over the last few days.

If the loss of Edwin Diaz to the Dodgers was a body blow, Pete Alonsosigning with the Orioles 24 hours later was the knockout punch.

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That those two departures came just a few weeks after Brandon Nimmo was traded to the Rangers means that in an incredibly short span, the Mets have lost not only three of their most popular players of recent vintage, but three of their most popular 15 or so players ever.

So it’s a big ask from David Stearnsand Steve Cohen to expect fans to trust the process right now, especially considering the massive failure the 2025 season was.

At the same time, it’s important to look at the situations with Alonso, Diaz, and Nimmo separately.

In the case of Alonso, while it might not have been totally nuts for the Mets to extend to four or five years for him (especially if he was willing to DH a lot more), they clearly had no intention of ever doing so. You can be furious about it, but that’s the deal. Stearns stuck to his plan. As an aside, that they didn’t officially offer Alonso a contract is of no consequence. Doing so would’ve been performative once they realized his market was beyond where they were willing to go.

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When it comes to Diaz, it seems that something went haywire. There is no indication that Diaz did not want to return to the Mets, and that he bolted over a difference of $3 million suggests the Mets botched the negotiation.

As far as Nimmo, dealing him for Gold Glove second baseman Marcus Semien was understandable — if you realize that Semien is not replacing Nimmo. Yes, Nimmo was still an above average offensive player. But he has been slipping at the plate over the last two seasons, while his defense in left field has regressed significantly. And there were five years left on his deal.

With the dust starting to settle, here are the two most important things to consider:

The first is that the Mets are much worse off right now than they were at the end of the season. And it will not be easy to replace the production they’ve lost, especially when it comes to the power Alonso provided.

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The second is Stearns’ overall philosophy.

David Stearns / USA TODAY Sports/SNY Treated Image

Anger from fans who simply want Stearns to hand blank checks to players is understandable. And Stearns’ cold, calculating way of operating — especially given the resources at his disposal — is questionable.

But it’s not that Stearns won’t spend lavishly. It’s that he seemingly won’t spend big — especially in terms of years — on players whose contracts he thinks could imperil his long-term Mets vision.

With that as a backdrop, here’s how the Mets can reload without Alonso, Diaz, and Nimmo, and how they can address their other areas of need…

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Replacing Alonso

To swipe a line from Moneyball, this will likely be about replacing Alonso in the aggregate, because there is no other first baseman or designated hitter available who has Alonso’s blend of power and on-base ability.

There were multiple reports on Wednesday night about the Mets engaging the Cardinals on a potential trade for first baseman Willson Contreras, who has two years and $36.5 million remaining on his contract — plus a club option for 2028. Contreras, who is entering his age-34 season, was a plus offensive player (123 OPS+) and above average defender (90th percentile, 6 OAA) in 2025. So he certainly fits the mold of what Stearns is looking for.

As far as what the rebuilding Cardinals would want, it’s fair to believe that they would be seeking a controllable big league player and/or prospects.

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If not Contreras, other options New York could pursue include Japanese first baseman/third baseman Kazuma Okamoto, who is a strong defender. There’s also fellow Japanese free agent Munetaka Murakami, who has otherworldly power. But Murakami strikes out a ton and is viewed as a poor defender.

As far as internal candidates, unless the Mets go huge elsewhere on the roster, it’s hard to justify using Mark Vientos regularly at first base. He is coming off a down offensive year, and has very little experience at the position.

Beyond the “who will play first base” question is the one about where the Mets will find more right-handed power.

The best answer could be free agent Eugenio Suarez, if he’s willing to be a DH. Suarez hits bombs (he smacked 49 in 2025), but strikes out at an alarming rate and doesn’t get on base much.

New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) and relief pitcher Edwin Diaz (39) slap hands after their game against the Washington Nationals during the top of the ninth inning at Citi Field / Vincent Carchietta – Imagn Images

Replacing Diaz

The Mets already have Devin Williams, who is penciled in as the closer. And despite a relatively down 2025, Williams’ stuff remains elite. And it’s fair to believe he’ll be very good in 2026.

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But New York’s desire to retain Diaz (and their failure to close the deal) means there’s a massive hole in the back end of the bullpen that they’re open to filling.

Pete Fairbanks is a free agents, and signing him would be the simplest way to react to losing Diaz.

There’s also the trade market, with Brewers fireballer Trevor Megill available.

Megill has been great over the last three seasons, posting a 2.88 ERA (2.62 FIP) and 1.14 WHIP while striking out 162 batters in 128 innings.

He is set to earn roughly $6.5 million in 2026, and is arbitration-eligible in 2026 and 2027 — making him incredibly valuable.

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Replacing Nimmo

There are two obvious fits on the free agent market: Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger.

In the case of Tucker, it’s difficult to envision the Mets giving him a massive deal in terms of years. And while he’s a special offensive player, his defense has been slipping.

Bellinger, while an above average defender at multiple positions, is an erratic offensive performer. He also had stark home/road splits last season, with a .909 OPS in the tiny confines of Yankee Stadium and a .715 OPS on the road.

While Tucker or Bellinger could make a lot of sense if they can be had on deals that aren’t crazy in terms of years, the Mets’ best bet could be the trade market.

Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Jarren Duran (16) runs out of the dugout before the start of a game against the Atlanta Braves at Fenway Park. / Eric Canha – Imagn Images

One very intriguing option is Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran.

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Duran, who is entering his age-29 season and is under team control through 2028, had a .774 OPS last season for Boston while leading the AL with 13 triples, hitting 16 homers, and smacking 41 doubles. He also swiped 24 bases.

His defense has been kind of all over the place (95th percentile in 2024, 18th percentile in 2025). But he has elite speed.

In addition to left field, the Mets have a hole in center field. But it would be wise to keep one spot open for top prospect Carson Benge, who could be ready early during the 2026 season.

Addressing the rotation

Lost in the shuffle a bit in the madness of the last couple of days is that the Mets still have a ton of work to do in the rotation.

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It was the starting staff that was most responsible for torpedoing the 2025 season, and it’s the pitching just as much as the defense that Stearns is referring to when he discusses “run prevention.”

Stearns’ apparent unwillingness to go long on the top free agent starting pitchers on the market is also understandable.

Framber Valdez is 32 years old, Ranger Suarez‘s fastball velocity is steadily declining, and Tatsuya Imaiis a largely unknown entity.

If Valdez winds up taking a deal for four years or so, perhaps the Mets swoop in. If not, someone like Michael King could make a lot of sense, though New York would be taking a big risk given King’s injury history.

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In a world where the Mets sign King, they would ideally also need to find a reliable starter with upside — possibly via trade.

As things currently stand with the Mets’ roster, it’s hard to make an argument for them trading serious assets for a one-year rental like Freddy Peralta. But if they’ve already properly addressed their other needs before swinging a trade like that (or have faith they’ll fill those needs afterward), going for it will make sense.

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In some ways, the Mets†signing of Devin Williams feels a lot like the trade of Brandon Nimmo.

That is, it all depends on what else David Stearns does next.

In this case, itâ€s simple: if Stearns still re-signs Edwin Diaz, then the addition of Williams as a set-up man is a strong move, giving the Mets an elite late-inning bullpen duo that further demonstrates Stearns†commitment to run prevention.

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However, if locking up Williams to a three-deal turns out to be a cheaper alternative to Diaz as the closer, it weakens a bullpen that failed the Mets badly in the heat of their wild-card chase last season and makes the former Milwaukee Brewer relieverâ€s difficult adjustment to the Bronx last year much more relevant.

With that in mind, a source told me late Monday night the Mets are still hoping to re-sign Diaz. But at what price is now the great unknown.

Indeed, it remains to be seen if the Williams signing, three years for $45 million, was a move made at least partly to give the Mets insurance against a bidding war for Diaz, allowing them to draw a line they wonâ€t cross if they feel the cost is prohibitive.

And certainly thereâ€s an argument to be made about not overspending on their veteran closer if it takes a five-year deal to retain him, considering both the volatility of bullpen arms and Diazâ€s age, as he turns 32 in March.

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Yet, Diaz has been more consistently dominant for the last few years than most closers, and more to the point, heâ€s vitally important to the Mets.

Eventually, then, weâ€ll find out just where Stearns stands on all of this. Will his value-seeking instincts rule the day or will this prove to be part of his big-boy plan this winter, a Williams-Diaz combo offering proof he is all-in on building a championship pitching staff, top to bottom?

If itâ€s the former, and Diaz goes elsewhere, it would also raise the question of whether Stearns†belief in Williams is influenced too heavily by their days together in Milwaukee, when the right-hander was one of the best relievers in baseball for a few years.

Williams fought through his struggles with the Yankees, which overwhelmed him early and resurfaced at times during the season, to finish strong, delivering nine straight scoreless appearances in September and then four more in the postseason.

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Still, the right-hander also has a huge postseason failure on his resume, that being Pete Alonsoâ€s memorable home run to stun the Brewers in the deciding game of the 2024 wild-card series.

So there are questions about his ability to deal with pressure, to be sure.

Aug 5, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Devin Williams (38) reacts after leaving the game during the eighth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Clearly, Williams was affected mentally by the expectations of closing for the Yankees last season, unable to command his famous “air-bender†change-up that made him mostly unhittable in Milwaukee.

And even with his strong finish, itâ€s fair to wonder how heâ€d react to the burden of taking over for Diaz, with similarly huge expectations.

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“It would be a leap of faith to think some of those issues he had last year wouldnâ€t re-surface if heâ€s asked to close for the Mets,†one MLB scout told me Monday night. “You could tell by looking at him on the mound at times that he was tight, and it showed up in his pitches.

“There were a lot of nights when he was yanking the fastball (inside on lefties, outside to right-handed hitters), and he was gripping the change-up so tight that the action wasnâ€t there on it. Thatâ€s what pressure does to pitchers.

“I give him credit because he did look a lot more like himself late in the year. But if Iâ€m the Mets, Iâ€d feel a lot better about him in the set-up role, with Diaz as a security blanket.â€

This, of course, is the nature of the baseball off-season. It moves at a glacial pace, so it could be weeks before weâ€ll know what that role will be for Williams.

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Meanwhile, Mets fans wait anxiously for an outcome. Many have lost their patience with Stearns after last season, convinced that he is making decisions for the Mets at least partly with the mentality of a small-market GM, as he had to with the Brewers.

Fair or not, that hangs over him in an offseason in which big changes are needed after the Mets flamed out last year in embarrassing fashion.

So far, his two moves, trading Nimmo for Marcus Semien and now signing Williams, have opened the door to the possibility of a home run of an offseason.

But that would take re-signing Alonso and Diaz, then essentially replacing Nimmo with Cody Bellinger, and upgrading the starting rotation with a couple of front-of-the-rotation starters.

Make all of those moves and Stearns will be the toast of the town.

Until then, well, to quote the great Tom Petty, the waiting is the hardest part.

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Before the Mets traded Brandon Nimmoto the Rangers for Marcus Semien — a move that will lead to aftershocks for New York as the offseason progresses — there was no question about what their left field plan was going to be for 2026.

It was going to be Nimmo, who had five seasons left on his contract.

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Yes, there was a possibility Nimmo could’ve been asked to serve as the designated hitter more than he had in prior seasons (he spent a grand total of four games at DH in 2025). But he probably would’ve been in left field nearly every day, with Juan Soto in right field.

Now, the possibilities are endless — not just when it comes to who the Mets turn to in left field, but who might be brought in to play center.

It’s possible New York goes internal in the outfield in both left and center, but that would be a relatively risky proposition.

Regarding left field specifically, how could the Mets address it?

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Let’s break it down…

The Internal Candidates

The second the Nimmo deal became official, things got more interesting for top Mets outfield prospect Carson Benge.

When Nimmo was still in the fold, Benge was viewed by president of baseball operations David Stearns as someone who could break camp as the starting center fielder. Now, he could possibly be looked at as an option to start in left field instead.

Benge played all over the outfield last season in the minors, spending 67 games in center, 26 games in right, and 22 games in left.

/ SNY

Whether Benge opens the season with the Mets or gets some more time with Triple-A Syracuse, he is expected to play a big role in 2026. And what New York decides to do with Benge could also have an impact on fellow prospect Jett Williams.

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Williams might profile better as a second baseman (the spot now blocked by Semien) than a center fielder, so it’s possible New York decides to shift Williams to center full time in 2026 in preparation for him to make that his long-term home. That could pave the way for a Mets outfield at some point next season of Benge, Williams, and Soto from left to right.

However, the possibility also exists that Williams is traded this offseason — perhaps as part of a deal for a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher.

There’s also the case of Jeff McNeil, who could also possibly get dealt. But when speaking about him following the Nimmo trade, Stearns said he had spoken to McNeil after it went down — saying the infielder/outfielder was on board with what New York was doing.

McNeil could theoretically be a left field option for 2026. However, given his offensive profile, it’s hard to envision New York turning to him there on a regular or even semi-regular basis unless they make a big center field addition.

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The presence of Tyrone Taylor could also have a big impact when it comes to what the Mets do in left. In a world where Taylor is the starting center fielder at the start of the season, it likely means either Benge or an external acquisition is in left.

The External Candidates

The two who immediately come to mind are Kyle Tuckerand Cody Bellinger.

Tucker is the crown jewel of the free agent position player market. A relatively young star (he’ll be entering his age-29 season in 2026) who controls the strike zone at an elite level and whose Baseball Savant page lights up red, the expectation is that he will get a massive deal this offseason.

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Whether Tucker lands something in the range of 10 years remains to be seen, but it will take a huge payday to snag him — especially with the Blue Jays and Dodgers possibly among his top suitors.

Jul 29, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Cody Bellinger (35) tosses his bat as he watches his three run home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the third inning at Yankee Stadium. / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The Mets certainly have the wherewithal and open spot for Tucker, but whether they’re prepared to hand out another megadeal after giving one to Soto last offseason remains to be seen.

Bellinger will cost a lot less than Tucker, but is still expected to be handsomely paid.

In addition to being able to play all three outfield positions, Bellinger would also give the Mets a first base option — something that would be huge in the event they re-sign Pete Alonso but ask him to DH a lot of the time.

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Another thing to consider with Bellinger is that while his struggles in 2021 and 2022 seem like an aberration, there are some underlying concerns regarding his offensive production.

One of those concerns? Bellinger slashed .302/.365/.544 (.909 OPS) at the hitter’s haven that is Yankee Stadium in 2025. On the road, he hit just .241/.301/.414 (.715 OPS).

There aren’t many strong fits on the free agent market beyond Tucker and Bellinger, but there is one very intriguing one who could be available via trade — Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran.

Duran, who is entering his age-29 season, has been a very strong offensive performer for Boston over the last three seasons, slashing .276/.339/.471 (.810 OPS).

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In 157 games last season, Duran filled up the stat sheet, smacking 41 doubles, 16 home runs, and 13 triples, while swiping 24 bases.

He strikes out at a high clip and his defense has been up and down (elite in 2024, poor in 2025), but Duran — who will make $7.7 million in 2026 and is under team control through 2028 — is the kind of player it would make a lot of sense for New York to pursue.

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Brandon Nimmoâ€s time in the Big Apple has come to an end.

The outfielder spent his first 10 years with the Mets after being selected as the 13th overall pick in the 2011 Draft.

Nimmo fought through his share of ups-and-downs over the years, but he established himself as a fan favorite with his infectious smile and the high-energy play he brought to the field everyday.

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He expressed his desire to remain a Met his entire career after signing an eight-year extension ahead of the 2023 season, but two years into that deal the organization had other plans.

David Stearns said it was not an easy decision, but the Mets opted to ship Nimmo out of town on Sunday night in a deal with the Texas Rangers for veteran 2B Marcus Semien.

His chapter with the Mets comes to a close with a .262 average, 135 homers, 188 doubles, 463 RBI, a .364 on-base percentage, and a .802 OPS over 1,066 games.

Owners Steve and Alex Cohen released a statement shortly after the deal became official on Monday afternoon.

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“Brandon represented our organization with heart, grit, and passion,†they wrote. “He embodied everything it meant to be a Met on and off the field. We are grateful for everything he gave to our team and community. We wish Brandon, Chelsea, and Tatum all the best.â€

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Now what?

That was one of the many questions posed to Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns during a virtual media session conducted Monday morning. The zoom presser came less than 24 hours after Stearns conducted perhaps the most surprising trade of his administration: a one-for-one swap of veterans with the Texas Rangers, sending outfielder Brandon Nimmo to Arlington and second baseman Marcus Semien to Queens.

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Nimmo, a first-round draft pick by the Mets out of a Wyoming high school in 2011, had been the clubâ€s longest-tenured player and a highly respected fan favorite. Despite signs of offensive decline and a move from center field to left, the 32-year-old remained a productive player in 2025. But while Nimmo held real sentimental value for Mets fans, his departure should enable Stearns and Co. to rejuvenate a roster that just authored an all-time embarrassing, late-season collapse.

“Beyond the immediate player-return part of this deal, we think this opens up possibilities and flexibility for us going forward,†the quarter-zip-clad exec explained to reporters. “Both from a near-term perspective and also allowing space for a number of very young outfielders who are coming.â€

[Get more New York news: Mets team feed]

In other words, this deal is about much more than acquiring Marcus Semien, who is a solid, defense-first player at this point in his career.

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Those young outfielders — Jett Williams and Carson Benge, two prospects Stearns went on to mention by name — are expected to contribute at the big-league level in 2026. Benge, in particular, has drawn rave reviews for his offensive skillset and looks like a special bat that should slot into the middle of New Yorkâ€s lineup for years to come.

Yet trading away Nimmo means far more than opening up a spot for any incoming prospect. Swapping Semien for Nimmo gives Stearns a wide array of avenues to upgrade the club, including via free agency. The Mets, under the stewardship of billionaire owner Steve Cohen, have established themselves as one of MLBâ€s biggest spenders. At this point, it would be a surprise if the team enters spring training without reeling in one of the top hitters on the market. That includes franchise home run king Pete Alonso, who ranks No. 5 on Yahooâ€s Top 50 Free Agents list.

“We’ve got a lot of offseason left,†Stearns said Monday. “I would expect us to continue to be active in a variety of spaces, to bring players in here.â€

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Looking to next season, there arenâ€t too many sure things among the Mets†position-player group. Francisco Lindor will play shortstop. Juan Soto will play right field. Semien will be at second, and Francisco Ãlvarez will be behind the dish. Jeff McNeil, barring another trade, will be somewhere. The rest is a haze. Brett Baty, Ronny Mauricio, Mark Vientos and Luisangel Acuña are all infielders aged 26 or younger with varying levels of big-league success. Itâ€s unlikely the entire quartet is wearing blue and orange come Opening Day; one or more could surely be dealt away for pitching help.

The positive side of all that uncertainty? Given New Yorkâ€s positional flexibility, the Mets can make serious calls on pretty much every top free-agent bat.

Alonso, given his seven years of service in Queens, is the most obvious fit. But the Mets could certainly pivot to Kyle Schwarber if they believe the stout DH projects as a better hitter. The same applies to the über-hyped Japanese 25-year-old, Munetaka Murakami. Despite the Mets†current glut of corner infielders, Alex Bregman also makes a ton of sense. New York could move one of Baty and Vientos to first and trade the other — or keep both, DH one of them and move on from Alonso.

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Cody Bellinger is another compelling upgrade, considering he fills the Mets†most obvious hole: center field. McNeil can fake it out there, but he isnâ€t a viable every-day option. Tyrone Taylor is a stellar defender, but heâ€s coming off an abysmal year with the stick. A long-term pact with the sweet-swinging former Dodger, Cub and Yankee would push McNeil to left and give the Mets one of baseballâ€s best outfields.

Then thereâ€s Kyle Tucker, the consensus top player on the market. But even though the Nimmo deal frees up left field in Queens, a long-term pact with Tucker doesnâ€t feel likely, given Sotoâ€s presence on the roster. Locking in both corner outfield spots for the next decade-plus doesnâ€t seem like the type of thing Stearns would do. That said, perhaps the Mets approach Soto about a preemptive move to DH and splash the cash on Tucker. Lord knows Steve Cohen has the dough.

But when asked about a big-money external upgrade in the outfield, Stearns predictably kept things close to the chest. “I think it would be too early for me to really determine how our outfield alignment is going to shape up,†he said.

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No matter which path the Mets take, another trade involving some of those younger players feels exceedingly likely. Conveniently, there are a number of enticing, controllable pitchers on the market who would slot right into New Yorkâ€s starting staff. Minnesotaâ€s Joe Ryan, Miamiâ€s Sandy Alcantara, Washingtonâ€s MacKenzie Gore, St. Louis†Sonny Gray and Milwaukeeâ€s Freddy Peralta all come to mind. Landing back-to-back Cy Young Tarik Skubal is a pipe dream that would require a haul and a half, but the Mets are one of the few teams with the pieces to make it happen.

“I don’t know what the next transaction is right now,†Stearns opined. “But I know we’re going to keep going into the offseason. I’m very confident we’re gonna have a productive offseason.â€

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ARLINGTON — Brandon Nimmo knows he could have been a lifelong Met.

He knows there could have been a chance — if he kept producing at a high level — that his number was in the rafters at Citi Field alongside David Wrightâ€s. Nimmo owns a house in Port St. Lucie, Fla., where the Mets have their Spring Training home. Heâ€s never even known another organization.

So when David Stearns asked if Nimmo would waive his no-trade clause to finalize a deal that would send him to Texas, he knew he had some thinking to do.

Stearns took the possibility of a trade to Nimmo on Thursday. At the time, his no-trade clause was the only thing standing in the way of its completion. By Sunday night, he was a Texas Ranger.

“It definitely took me as a shock,†Nimmo said. “We had kind of built this life centered around that we were going to be New York Mets until the very end. … I needed to know that the Rangers were committed to trying to win a World Series. That this wasn’t a rebuild that I was coming into. That this was somewhere that I was extremely wanted and was somewhere that I felt like we would be competing for World Series titles, year in and year out. [Rangers president of baseball operations Chris Young] made that abundantly clear.â€

Before waiving his no-trade clause, Nimmo reached out to Rangers ace Jacob deGrom, who was a longtime teammate of his in New York. deGrom affirmed everything that Young told Nimmo — this is a team that is firmly trying to compete.

“[deGrom] has nothing but amazing things to say about the Rangers,†Nimmo said. “He’s been on both sides, and he has absolutely thrived in this environment. He thinks that we are capable of winning a World Series. …We’re not in a rebuild mode. We’re going for it. This next season is a very exciting time for the Texas Rangers. I would not have waived the no-trade clause if I did not think that I could come here and be a part of chasing that World Series.â€

This trade makes Semien the most recent player from the 2023 World Series-winning squad to depart the organization. The Rangers parted with Adolis García, Jonah Heim and Josh Sborz at Fridayâ€s non-tender deadline. García specifically opened up the need for another outfielder in Nimmo.

Young emphasized that — like he told Nimmo — the Rangers are focused on winning moving forward, even as they part ways with franchise favorites.

“The last two years have been very difficult as we feel like we have not lived up to our expectations,†Young said. “When you don’t meet expectations, you have to make tough calls. That’s part of it. … We feel like this was a decision that was necessary for us. We’re looking forward to Brandon helping us achieve great things moving forward.â€

And yes, itâ€s clear that the Rangers would not have made this move if Nimmo wasnâ€t the best possible addition to help the club return to postseason contention. But more importantly, this weekâ€s roster moves are just the start to fixing an offense that ranked 25th in wRC+ (92), 26th in slugging (.381) and 22nd in runs (684) this past season.

Running back the exact same roster — or close to it — was simply not an option. Nimmo isnâ€t a world beater. But he is an impact bat that can slot into the top half of the Rangers†lineup and set up sluggers like Corey Seager and Wyatt Langford for RBI opportunities.

In 2025, Nimmo slashed .262/.324/.436 with a 114 wRC+. Seager and Langford were the only two Rangers hitters who performed better.

“I think that having a player who is not going to be a platoon player is huge,†Young said. “It gives us more flexibility in taking some of these other players that are versatile and being able to spread them around the diamond. It’s a really, really big move, in our opinion, in terms of creating some stability and consistency in the lineup. I think it’s going to make us better, and it allows us to deploy some other players in ways that can make us pretty dangerous.â€

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Sunday nightâ€s news of the Mets trading Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers in exchange for Marcus Semien felt like it came out of nowhere. While Nimmo had been mentioned as a potential trade candidate, it was still a bit jarring for Mets fans to see the homegrown outfielder dealt at this point in the MLB offseason, just a few years removed from singing a new eight-year contract.

So how exactly did the trade come to be?

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Mets president of baseball operations David Stearnsmet with the media on Monday to discuss just that, but started by thanking Nimmo for everything he had done for the organization.

“From the moment the Mets drafted Brandon, he did everything right here,†Stearns said. “He represented the organization exceptionally well, on and off the field, and really was a great Met. We wish Brandon and his family nothing but the best as they embark on the next phase of Brandonâ€s career with the Texas Rangers.â€

“These are always tough decisions. This was not easy,†Stearns added later. “Everyone here thinks very highly of Brandon, but in order to create the type of sustainable championship-caliber play that we seek to have here, at times these types of decisions are necessary.â€

According to Stearns, the Mets and Rangers had identified Semien and Nimmo as potential fits early in the offseason, but trade talks really began to pick up after the GM Meetings in Las Vegas, which took place between Nov. 10-13.

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“This is something that really probably gained steam last week after the GM Meetings,†Stearns explained. “I think throughout the offseason, Texas had looked at Nimmo as a very attractive fit for them, and we had looked at Semien as a potentially really good fit for us, but we didnâ€t really line up and start making progress on this until I think towards the tail end of the GM Meetings into last week.

“These are difficult deals to put together. … Youâ€re talking about two players who are embedded in their organizations, who have had success there, and clearly in Brandonâ€s case youâ€re talking about a player with no-trade protection.â€

As far as what Semien adds to the Mets, Stearns praised everything that the 35-year-old brings to the table. A three-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner, Semienâ€s offensive numbers were a tad down in 2025 (.669 OPS, 15 home runs, 62 RBI in 127 games), but the veteran, according to Stearns, is much more than his offensive output.

“Marcus brings an elite level of defense,†Stearns said. “Heâ€s one of the best defensive infielders in baseball and has been for a number of years. Heâ€s a winner. He brings a winning drive and determination that we think is going to fit well in our clubhouse, and he balances our lineup from the right side, which is something we were seeking to do.â€

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Stearns later added: “This is a player who can contribute to winning baseball in a variety of ways, and the bat may not actually lead the way at this point in his career. We think thereâ€s likely some bounce back in his offensive game, but what weâ€re counting on at the top of his skill set is the contributions he can make for us defensively, how he can perform on the bases, and we think those are going to help us win games.

“I think as we really began to dig in on who this person was, talked to his former teammates, former coaches, people who have been around him, this is someone who takes his craft incredibly seriously. Someone who does everything he can on a regular basis to get in the lineup, to perform at a high level, practices hard and holds those expectations of his teammates as well, and I think thatâ€s going to fit in very well with our group.â€

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The day after being traded from the only team he’s ever known as a professional, Brandon Nimmo discussed how he’s feeling after being dealt from the Mets to the Rangers.

“It took me as a shock,” Stearns told reporters, including Newsday’s Laura Albanese, via Zoom.

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Noting that he and his wife, Chelsea, had just finished building a house in Port St. Lucie where the Mets have spring training, Nimmo said he thought he was going to be with the Mets “until the very end.”

“I could have had a pretty good chance of having a number in the rafters, but that’s not what it all means to me,” Nimmo explained. “I would honestly rather win a World Series.”

Nimmo added that Stearns approached him with the trade, and he understood that the team felt this was the best way for them to move forward. After thinking it over, Nimmo — who had a full no-trade clause — approved the deal.

“The Mets would not have brought this trade if they didn’t feel like it put the Mets in the best position to win going forward,” Nimmo said. “They made it very apparent that they weren’t actively shopping me but that the Rangers really, really, really wanted me.”

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When he re-signed with the Mets on an eight-year contract following the 2022 season, Nimmo discussed his excitement about the prospect of potentially never having to take his Mets jersey off again.

But following a season where the Mets went from being the best team in baseball in June to all the way out of the playoffs, president of baseball operations David Stearns — who had his own news conference right around the time Nimmo had his — said it would not have been right to simply run it back.

And the Nimmo trade was possibly the first of numerous big changes for New York this offseason.

In addition to addressing his Mets departure via Zoom, Nimmo also posted a farewell message on Instagram, writing:

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“To the fans I’ll always hold near and dear: There is truly no way I could adequately put into words how much my tenure with the Mets has meant to me. All I can say is thank you. Thank you Mets fans for embracing and welcoming a kid from Cheyenne, Wyoming to the Big Apple. I always aspired to become a big leaguer – I never knew I’d have the opportunity to accomplish that dream in a city so wildly passionate about the game of baseball. The last 14 years have felt like a dream, and it has been an absolute honor to share them with you. You made me feel like family, and I hope you felt the same. I will always be grateful for our time and memories together. With love, always.”

Nimmo, who was drafted by the Mets in 2011 and made his big league debut in 2016, was a stalwart for the club over the last decade.

In 4,365 plate appearances in 1,066 games for New York, Nimmo slashed .262/.364/.438 (.802 OPS) with 135 home runs, 188 doubles, 32 triples, 593 runs scored, and 463 RBI.

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It was jarring on Sunday night to see the news that the Mets were trading Brandon Nimmo to the Rangers for Marcus Semien.

However, if you recalled what David Stearns said during his end-of-season news conference — when he signaled a willingness to break up New York’s offensive core — that Nimmo has been dealt could not have possibly come as a surprise.

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Back to that jarring part for a bit…

What makes this feel a bit like a bucket of cold water has been dumped on your head is the fact that Nimmo and the Mets had been synonymous ever since he made his MLB debut in 2016.

Nimmo wasn’t just a damn good player. He was a tireless worker, a true leader, and a Met who truly loved being a Met. For those reasons and more, this one stings.

At the same time, it can easily be argued that with Nimmo’s defense having regressed significantly (he was a negative in the outfield in 2025), his offense dipping from the height he was at between 2021 and 2023, and with five years remaining on his contract, that it was wise to move on now.

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While it might be hard to do this with the trade of a beloved franchise player so fresh, it’s important to understand that this isn’t really about Nimmo for Semien — even though Semien provides Gold Glove defense at second base.

Rather, this is about clearing an outfield spot and lineup spot, which opens up a world of possibilities for the Mets that didn’t really exist before Sunday night.

Cody Bellinger / Imagn Images/Envato Elements/SNY Treated Image

Prior to the Nimmo trade, Kyle Tucker — the crown jewel of free agency — wasn’t really a Mets fit. Now, he is. The same can be said for Cody Bellinger. But the Nimmo deal won’t be a failure if the Mets don’t land one of the aforementioned players. Not when there’s so many other options out there.

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And there’s lots more intriguing players beyond the two mentioned above.

So, what’s next?

Perusing X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday night, there were plenty of Mets fans who were up in arms over the deal and predicting that the team would just go defense-heavy at every open position instead of doing anything big. That’s not how this is going to go.

Yes, Stearns values defense. But he also knows the team needs serious offensive reinforcements. And guess what? There are players out there who are strong all-around players, too.

The most obvious thing would be for the Mets to swoop in and land a big outfielder. Tucker, who will be entering his age-29 season in 2026, looms as a pretty perfect fit. In a relatively down year for the Cubs in 2025, he still had an .841 OPS. This is a complete hitter who — like Juan Soto — does a tremendous job controlling the strike zone.

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Tucker’s defense has slipped a bit, though, and his contract in terms of both years and dollars is expected to be massive.

If not Tucker, Bellinger would be a sensible option.

Beyond free agency, it all of a sudden makes a ton of sense for New York to explore what it would take to pry Jarren Duran from the Red Sox.

The 29-year-old Duran’s name was out there ahead of last season’s trade deadline. And with the Sox potentially in need at third base and/or second base — and the Mets flush with infielders — perhaps there’s a fit.

Boston Red Sox left fielder Jarren Duran (16) rounds the bases en route to a triple during the second inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field / Ken Blaze – Imagn Images

Twins star Byron Buxton could also potentially be snagged via trade. It’s also possible Fernando Tatis Jr. is available with the Padres for sale and possibly needing to trim payroll.

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Meanwhile, the Mets could view top prospect Carson Benge as a left field option now and instead focus on adding a center fielder. They could also go internal in the outfield and train their efforts on the infield, where Pete Alonso‘s defense would be less of an issue now that they have Semien’s range to help cover for it. There’s also free agents Alex Bregman and Bo Bichette, who could be third base fits.

With Nimmo gone, Kyle Schwarber all of a sudden makes a lot more sense as a serious target — especially in a world where Alonso signs elsewhere.

Looking internal, the addition of Semien would seem to make the already possible trade of Jeff McNeilsomething that’s probable.

McNeil, who is entering the final year of his contract, could provide serious value as a super utility player capable of playing every infield spot but shortstop and all three outfield spots. But if the Mets don’t view that as his role, it’s unclear what his role would be.

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McNeil does not have the defensive profile to be an everyday center fielder, and does not have the offensive profile to be an everyday left fielder, third baseman, or first baseman.

The Nimmo trade could also have ramifications in the farm system.

With the exception of Nolan McLean, it seems possible that New York could trade basically any of their young players, perhaps as part of a package for a top-of-the-rotation starter — Tarik Skubalor otherwise.

And with second base now taken for the foreseeable future, it’s fair to wonder if Jett Williams— whose best fit is at second and not center field — could be on the move.

So again, this was not simply about Nimmo for Semien. It’s about what’s next.

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