MLB Rumors: Blue Jays Could Try To Fill OF Hole With Huge Free Agent

The Toronto Blue Jays will sadly say goodbye to a solid citizen over the past six years in Teoscar Hernandez. But now they've got a huge hole to fill in the outfield, and a new report says that the Jays are now interested in possibly filling that with free agent center fielder Brandon Nimmo.

The #BlueJays are showing interest in free agent OF Brandon Nimmo, sources say; the trade of Teoscar Hernández has freed up a spot in the Toronto lineup to add the left-handed bat they’ve lacked. @MLBNetwork @MLB

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 16, 2022

MLB Insider Jon Morosi notes that Nimmo would add the left-handed bat that the Jays have long sought, and they have shown interest. Nimmo has proven himself to be an elite leadoff man and center fielder in his seven years with the New York Mets, sporting a stellar career .385 on-base percentage along with an .827 OPS. 

The 29-year-old free agent, in his first fully-healthy season in several years, scored 102 runs at the top of the Mets' order, while popping 16 home runs and driving in 64 along with a league-leading seven triples. 

His injury history is the one thing that could hold back his value, as this year was only the 2nd time in seven seasons that he topped the 100-games played mark. 

Nevertheless, he's expected to command a deal that should top the $100M mark over 5 seasons, and the Jays will be weighing all of that heavily in their offers. 

The Toronto outfield is now left with George Springer, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Whit Merrifield, Cavan Biggio, and quite possibly even rookie catcher Gabriel Moreno as options. 

John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports