MLB Rumors: Brandon Nimmo Drawing Interest from Blue Jays, Rays, More in Free Agency

Outfielder Brandon Nimmo is reportedly developing a significant market for his services in MLB free agency.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the New York Mets would like to retain Nimmo, but they will have to beat out several other interested teams in order to keep him in the fold.

Heyman noted that the San Francisco Giants, Toronto Blue Jays and Tampa Bay Rays are "among many teams" that are in on Nimmo.

Nimmo, 29, has spent his entire seven-year MLB career with the Mets and has been a regular in their lineup since 2018.

He is arguably coming off the best season of his career in 2022, as he slashed .274/.367/.433 and set career highs with 16 home runs, 64 RBI and 102 runs scored, primarily as the Mets' leadoff hitter.

The lefty batter also played all 151 games in center field last season after seeing action in both left field and right field in previous seasons.

Durability has been one of the biggest question marks for Nimmo throughout his career, as injuries cost him significant time in 2019 and 2021, but his 151 games played last season were a career high.

Given his status as a leadoff hitter who excels at getting on base, Nimmo would represent a significant loss for the Mets. While Mets owner Steve Cohen has been outspoken about his willingness to spend big money in free agency, New York has some company when it comes to signing Nimmo.

A pair of playoff teams out of the American League East in the Blue Jays and Rays would both benefit from Nimmo's arrival, as would the Giants, who are looking to return to the playoffs after going a disappointing 81-81 last season.

The Rays typically aren't big spenders, which could mean they will be priced out of the market for Nimmo, especially since the Blue Jays, Giants and Mets all seem willing and able to cut some big checks.

Toronto has a hole in the outfield after trading Teoscar Hernández to the Seattle Mariners, while Nimmo may be more of a backup plan for the Giants if they can't pry reigning AL MVP Aaron Judge away from the New York Yankees in free agency.

As for the Mets, they will likely have to dip into the free-agent market to find a replacement for Nimmo if he signs elsewhere since Starling Marte and Mark Canha are the only established outfielders on the roster for 2023 as of now.