Brandon Sproat, Brandon Nimmo provide optimism for Mets

Nearly three weeks into spring training, the New York Mets are finally getting good looks at top prospect Brandon Sproat and veteran outfielder Brandon Nimmo. Both made their Grapefruit League debuts Friday. Neither played Saturday or Sunday.

Sproat, a 24-year-old right-hander, rapidly ascended through New York's farm system last season, skipping three minor league levels before facing his first real challenge following a late-season promotion to Triple-A. In seven starts, Sproat struggled to find his rhythm and finished with a 7.53 ERA.

His difficulties at that level quickly became the topic of his conversation with Mets legend Dwight Gooden.

"He asked how Triple-A was," Sproat said, per MLB Network. "I mentioned to him I kind of got away from who I am as a pitcher -- that's trusting my stuff and being the aggressor out there. Wise words from Doc Gooden, that's special. What he said I'm going to hold dearly and build on that."

That simple tweak in mindset seemed to help Sproat, who needed only 19 pitches to retire six Washington batters over two scoreless innings. 

Sproat’s main focus throughout this outing was to go after the opposition and be aggressive with his pitches. This is where his newly added sinker came into play. 

"He was really good," Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said (h/t SNY). "Pretty electric there for a couple of innings. First time pitching in the big-league camp. Good first impression." 

It was an encouraging start for Sproat, who is expected to begin the 2025 season in Triple-A despite the recent injuries in the rotation. 

Nimmo’s debut wasn’t spectacular, but his presence was a major positive for the Mets.

Nimmo, 31, had a down year in 2024, posting a .224 batting average with 90 RBI and a .726 OPS. The left-handed hitter dealt with plantar fasciitis in his left foot toward the end of last season, but he gutted it out in 13 postseason contests. He has since turned the page on last season and looks forward to improving his game in 2025.

Nimmo put together solid at-bats in the cleanup role against the Nationals. In his first plate appearance, he worked a five-pitch walk and did his signature sprint to first base. 

His second trip to the plate resulted in a groundout to the first baseman, but there was a positive take away from the at-bat: Nimmo’s exit velocity on the grounder was a scorching 108.4 mph, indicating his swing seems to be in good shape.

Even though he only got two at-bats, Nimmo gives the Mets reason for optimism as the opener approaches March 27 at Houston.