Brandon Nimmo Reflects on New Beginnings with Rangers
ARLINGTON, Texas — Brandon Nimmo is embracing this new chapter of his career, especially with the possibility of a postseason run on the horizon.
As the Rangers kicked off Tuesday’s game, they were leading the AL West by just a single game. This fact became central for Nimmo, who was asked about playing against his former team, the Mets, for the first time.
“We are trying to make something happen here at the end of the year,” Nimmo shared at Globe Life Field.
Nimmo played a pivotal role in the Mets’ offseason changes, as he was traded to Texas in exchange for Marcus Semien after deciding to waive his no-trade clause.
Following that move, other changes unfolded, most notably the departure of Pete Alonso via free agency. The president of baseball operations, David Stearns, apparently showed little desire for a long-term deal with Alonso, who ultimately signed a hefty five-year, $155 million contract with the Orioles.
When asked about whether he and Alonso felt they were scapegoated for the Mets’ disappointing season last year, which saw them miss the playoffs, Nimmo replied, “I honestly think we just weren’t thought of as a solution moving forward. I don’t think we were blamed for what happened in the past. I tried not to read any more into it than that.”
What’s Nimmo’s view of the Mets’ season from a distance?
“It was obviously not the way they drew it up for things to start,” he observed. “But it looks like they are trying to finish on a good note, which is great, especially with young guys. I remember when I was there, and we faced tough years; ending on a positive note always helped the young guys feel better heading into the offseason.”
Nimmo wasn’t surprised at all that Alonso made a significant impact upon returning to Citi Field last week, hitting a crucial game-tying home run for his 300th career homer.
“I know Pete, and he lives for those moments,” Nimmo said. “That’s the magic of Pete, and that’s why people love him.”
Meanwhile, it’s worth noting that Christian Scott’s season has come to an end due to an injury. The right-hander was placed on the injured list with left knee inflammation, an issue that manager Andy Green attributed to Scott landing awkwardly during his last warmup pitch.
Scott recorded a 3.85 ERA across 23 starts this season for the Mets.
In other news, Devin Williams has returned from the injured list following a shoulder strain rehabilitation. Although he may not be used as a closer in the final games of this season, Green indicated the plan is for Williams to resume that role next year.
