The New York Mets are once again looking to make some major moves in the offseason. The team previously signed superstar outfielder Juan Soto to a massive 15-year, $765 million deal in December 2024. It is the biggest contract in professional sports history.
Despite adding such a high-profile player to a team that reached the 2024 NLCS, the Mets embarrassingly missed the playoffs in September. This came after New York faltered down the stretch after compiling the best record in all of baseball as of June 12 (45-24). Partially due to the collapse, the Mets are expected to reload heading into 2026.
Along with targeting top free agents, New York could also turn to the trade market to shake up their roster. This even includes potentially letting go of a key piece of the puzzle. A new report is suggesting that team officials may look to ship Brandon Nimmo out of the Big Apple.
New York Mets Consider Trading Brandon Nimmo to Free up Funds
GettyBrandon Nimmo has been one of the more dependable New York Mets players in recent seasons.
New York Post’s Joel Sherman is claiming that the Mets are getting creative with ways to offload Nimmo. The reporter specifically sources discussions with a current American League team executive. Nimmo currently has five more years and just over $100 million remaining on his massive eight-year, $162 million contract.
While it is obviously a substantial salary, the outfielder has played well and has been a fan-favorite since signing the deal. Nimmo featured in 155 total games last season and ranked in the team’s top four in home runs, runs, and RBIs. He has also been viewed as part of a core trio locked into long-term contracts alongside Francisco Lindor and Soto.
Money, unsurprisingly, will play a key role in trade talks involving the outfielder. Although he has performed fairly well, Nimmo will turn 33 before the 2026 season starts. Because of this, New York may have to end up eating some of the star’s salary to move him elsewhere. Complicating things even further, Nimmo also has a no-trade clause in his contract. The player would have to approve any trade before it could be finalized.
Trading Star Outfielder Could Open Door for a Top Free Agent
Potentially trading Nimmo will certainly surprise some Mets fans. Nevertheless, getting out from under his substantial salary could open the door for an upgrade. Nimmo was previously New York’s starting center fielder as of 2023. He has, however, since switched positions to left field as manager Carlos Mendoza opted to have a more athletic player in center.
With Nimmo in left and Soto in right, the Mets are essentially handcuffed in the pursuit of a superstar such as Kyle Tucker. The undisputed top free agent this offseason is primarily a corner outfielder. If the Mets feel that they can sign Tucker, they would likely have to move either Nimmo or Soto to make room, and Soto is not going anywhere. This would leave Nimmo as the odd man out.
Outside of chasing Tucker, New York could also make a different big splash this winter. The Mets previously had the second-highest payroll in the sport during 2025 and do not seem afraid to continue spending money.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Mets Open to Trading Star Outfielder to Shake up Roster appeared first on Heavy Sports.