The New York Mets traded away one of their franchise icons over the past 10 years, Brandon Nimmo, earlier in the offseason to the Texas Rangers. Never an All-Star, or had really any accolades, but he inked an eight-year, $162 million deal with New York. The Mets acquired Marcus Semien in exchange for Brandon Nimmo, but the trade was considered a shock to many Mets fans.
Nimmo seemed to be in the prime of his career after dealing with tough injuries in the early 2020’s that restricted him from being an everyday player. Whatever New York thought his flaw was as a player, it was obviously enough to send him out the door. Nimmo recently chronicled his departure from the Mets and revealed the message Mets’ owner Steve Cohen shared with him prior to the trade.
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Steve Cohen’s Message to Brandon Nimmo
In a lengthy, but detailed piece by The Athletic’s Will Sammon, the experienced MLB writer got the chance to speak with Brandon Nimmo about his departure from New York.
Sammon notes that Steve Cohen and Brandon Nimmo had a strong relationship, and Cohen sent (to an extent) this message to Nimmo:
GettyNew York Mets owner Steve Cohen
“This is really hard for me because you’re someone that I have developed a really good relationship with, and I’m trying to look at this from a business standpoint, but I also care about the person that you are. But also, this is David’s team. There’s a reason that I hired David, and it was to run the team. I can’t make all these decisions, and I love you as a person, but if this is what David feels like is best for the team, then I’m gonna go with him.”
In another development from the piece by Sammon, Cohen sent this *sort of* revealing message about Nimmo and the sentimental value some players mean to him:
“These are players who I sort of grew up in my ownership with and got to know personally. And so, from a personal standpoint, it’s always tough to say goodbye. But one door closes, another one opens.”
Brandon Nimmo’s Tenure with New York
The business side of MLB is always tough, as there are real relationships that form within organizations.
Leaving any opinions aside, Nimmo had a successful tenure with the New York Mets.
Over 10 seasons (many not even being full seasons), Nimmo hit .262 with 135 home runs, 463 RBI, and a career OPS+ of 124 with the Mets.
Always an above average hitter, Nimmo always knew how to get on base and extend innings with his hustle plays.
Although he’s never been named an All-Star, he’s certainly had seasons that, when all said and done, were very All-Star worthy.
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Brandon Nimmo Reveals Message Steve Cohen Said to Him Prior to Trade From Mets