MLB Rumors: Top 3 Suitors For Brandon Nimmo

Brandon Nimmo was simply one of the top center fielders and leadoff men in baseball in 2022, and his timing couldn't have been better. He enters free agency this winter and will certainly be in high demand. 

Here's a look at three teams that should top the list of suitors for the 28-year-old.

New York Mets

Nimmo has been a fan favorite in Queens, as noted by Will Sammon and Tim Britton of The Athletic, endearing himself with his sprints to first base after a walk, and his on and off-field persona. He's made himself into an indispensable part of the Mets' offense this season; they will do everything in their power to retain him. And they're confident that they will. 

NEWS: According to @MarinoMLB, the “belief” is that Brandon Nimmo will likely end up staying in New York.

The #Mets “feel good” about their shot to re-sign him, but the #Yankees have internally discussed the idea of signing Nimmo. #LGM pic.twitter.com/THLrS1DHdJ

— GENY Mets Report (@genymets) October 26, 2022

New York Yankees

If Nimmo is a fan favorite in Queens, perhaps the Bronx denizens can adopt him too. The Yankees are a team with a desperate need for another quality outfielder (whether or not they re-sign Aaron Judge), and Nimmo's ability to leadoff and play center would be a perfect fit. 

One report has the Yankees "internally discussing the idea" of trying to sign Nimmo. After Judge, Nimmo is in a tier by himself in the outfield free agent market, far ahead of other options such as Mitch Haniger or Kevin Kiermaier. 

Brandon Nimmo walking to lead off the season for the Yankees and then full sprinting to 1st base will save lives pic.twitter.com/2d4KGGgF9F

— Joe Esposito (@joey21espo) October 25, 2022

Los Angeles Dodgers

Cody Bellinger has continued to be an inexplicable disaster for the Dodgers, batting in the low .200s (or worse) for the third straight season since winning the MVP in 2019.  He's a free agent after the 2023 season, but LA may want to secure center field with a high-end option like Nimmo now. 

A lot of the Dodgers' interest could depend on Trea Turner. If the superstar top-of-the-order shortstop leaves as a free agent, Nimmo's elite on-base skills at the top of the order would fill a huge void that Turner could leave behind. 

There could be other teams that get in the mix for Nimmo as well, such as the Toronto Blue Jays and their need for a lefty bat and on-base machine, or the Boston Red Sox, whose outfield was a mess this season. But the odds are still solidly with the Mets if they decide to pay him market value. 

Photo: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports