Report: SF Giants made offer to outfielder Brandon Nimmo before re-signing with Mets

Welp! The SF Giants did not get the final rose yet again. I am not sure if I am using that reference correctly. I don't watch a lot of TV but you get my point. According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, the Giants made an offer to free-agent outfielder Brandon Nimmo before he re-signed with the New York Mets.

Report: SF Giants made offer to outfielder Brandon Nimmo before re-signing with Mets

As everyone knows, this is not the first time this week that the Giants have finished in second place to New York for a free-agent outfielder. Puma's report does not specify the terms that the Giants offered, but he did indicate that Mets owner Steve Cohen to get involved to ensure that Nimmo returned to New York. Perhaps, there was concern that Nimmo was seriously considering leaving?

The left-handed-hitting outfielder was a sensible fit for San Francisco even after adding an outfielder in Mitch Haniger earlier this week. The front office had been linked to Nimmo for much of the offseason, but they will have to look elsewhere for outfield help.

The Mets signed Nimmo to an eight-year, $162 million pact. That deal far exceeded any expectations for Nimmo when the offseason began. MLB Trade Rumors predicted a five-year, $110 million contract for the speedy outfielder just last month, but the market has been unusually hot.

The 29-year-old outfielder slashed .274/.367/.433 (130 OPS+) wth 16 home runs, 64 RBI, and 102 runs in 673 plate appearances. This included a 10.6 percent walk rate against a 17.2 percent strikeout rate, so Nimmo not only had an excellent eye but great bat-to-ball skills as well.

Across seven season, he has posted a .385 on-base percentage and a 130 OPS+, so he has been a above-average hitter throughout his career. That said, he has rarely been healthy enough to consistently play.

Nimmo has appeared in over 100 games just twice in his career. Of course, he appeared in 151 games in 2022, which was not only in a contract year but the highest total he has ever tallied. Eight years is a lot of money for a player with that type of track record in terms of health.

However, if you approach free agency rationally, then you are going to miss more often than not. And, the Giants have done plenty of that.

On a different note, Nimmo has proven to be a competent center fielder. A change to a corner outfield spot is likely in the cards down the road. However, he would have been a nice offensive and defensive fit for the Giants in 2023.

The outfield market is quickly thinning, so the Giants will need to work quick to add an impactful outfielder to the mix.