CINCINNATI, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 06: Brandon Nimmo (9) of the New York Mets walks to the dugout in the first inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on September 06, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Kareem Elgazzar/Getty Images)
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After a disappointing season that began with the addition of Juan Soto and ended without a chance at the playoffs, the New York Mets are ready to mix things up.
The team made that very clear when it agreed to ship long-time outfielder Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers in exchange for second baseman Marcus Semien. On paper, the move makes sense as it improves the Mets’ defense, fortifies the infield and adds a right-hander. But cutting ties with Nimmo signaled a dramatic change for the team.
“Nimmo was the Mets’ longest-tenured player, with 1,066 games with the club dating to 2016,” Tim Britton wrote for The Athletic. “Nimmo leaves the Mets with the ninth-most plate appearances in team history. He ranks sixth in runs scored, eighth in on-base percentage, ninth in homers and 10th in total bases and doubles.”
After a disappointing season, the Mets won’t be letting any sentimentality get in the way of changes that might improve their record for next season. But plenty of fans will be missing Nimmo after such a decorated career.
And in his first reported comments since news of the trade broke, Nimmo made it clear that the feeling is mutual.
“I will miss you, too,” Nimmo texted to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman shortly after news of the trade hit, according to the reporter.
“Nimmo will be recalled for his clutch hits, consistent hustle and infectious enthusiasm, and for quite some time,” Heyman added. “But on paper, this deal makes perfect sense for a team that’s desperate to get better glovework — upon the story breaking around dinnertime Sunday, the first thing one Mets higher-up mentioned was Semien’s Gold Glove at second base…”
Though Nimmo will miss his fans and teammates in Queens, he should have a chance to contribute to the Rangers next year. And the Mets won’t be sitting on their hands after trading him away.
Opening up Nimmo’s outfield spot could pave the way for another major acquisition, with free agents Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger the most impactful potential outfielders on the market. The team will also have to navigate potential reunions for two of its other longest-tenured players in Edwin Diaz and Pete Alonso.
No matter where they go from here, though, the Mets’ decision to part ways with their long-time outfielder signaled that they aren’t afraid to mix things up. Even if it means moving on from a player who will be sorely missed.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/peterchawaga/2025/11/24/brandon-nimmo-breaks-silence-after-blockbuster-mets-rangers-trade/
