Brannon Nimmo is officially back in Queens.
The Mets are bringing back the 29-year-old outfielder on an eight-year deal, a move made official Saturday afternoon. While the specifics of the deal were not revealed, multiple reports put the contract at $162 million, a number that the club was happy to pay to bring back their leadoff hitter.
“Brandon has been part of the Mets family since he was drafted over 10 years ago and we are so excited that he and his wife Chelsea decided to remain part of the team,” Mets Owner, Chairman and CEO Steve Cohen said in a statement. “Throughout his career, Brandon has contributed so much to the club both on and off the field. His hustle and personality are a part of what makes this team so special.”
The former first-round pick is coming off one of his best seasons in the big leagues. In a career-high 152 games, Nimmo slashed .274/.367/.433 with 30 doubles, 16 home runs, seven triples, 102 runs scored, and 64 RBI.
“We are thrilled to be able to keep Brandon in the organization,” said Mets general manager Billy Eppler. “He has grown into a leader in our clubhouse and embodies what we look for in a player on and off the field. We’re excited to have the impact he brings on both sides of the ball back on our roster.”
The Wyoming native has spent seven years with the Mets, posting a .269/.385/.441 slashline with 335 runs, 106 doubles, 23 triples, 63 home runs, 213 RBI, 23 steals, 323 walks with an .827 OPS and a 130 OPS+.
Nimmo’s signing rounds out a massive week of offseason moves for the Mets following the signings of Justin Verlander, Jose Quintana and David Robertson.