Report: Mets want to keep OF Brandon Nimmo 'beyond this season'

The New York Mets enter a pivotal weekend series against the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies, boasting the second-best record in the National League at 73-39. 

Front-running atop the NL East, the Mets hold a seven-game advantage over the second-place Atlanta Braves (66-46), while the Phillies sit 10.5 games behind.

On pace to claim their first division title since 2015, the Mets are reportedly looking to lock up one of their key pieces, outfielder Brandon Nimmo. 

According to a New York Post report, the Mets informed Nimmo during the All-Star break that they "want him beyond this season." 

"Nimmo, set to hit free agency, hired Scott Boras as his agent last winter," wrote Mike Puma of the New York Post. "It's easy to envision a long-term deal for the outfielder that averages at least $20 million annually."

The center fielder has been a significant contributor for the Mets at the plate and in the field. 

Through 103 games, Nimmo has ten home runs, 40 RBI, and 42 walks while slashing .269/.355/.421. 

The Mets selected Nimmo with the 13th overall pick in the 2011 MLB draft. Nimmo made his major league debut in 2016. Over seven seasons with New York, Nimmo has 57 home runs and 189 RBI, slashing .267/.385/.440 in 560 career MLB games. 

Earlier this month, the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA) announced that Nimmo had been named the 2022 Mets' recipient of the Heart and Hustle Award. The award "recognizes one player on each Major League team who demonstrates a passion for the game of baseball and best embodies the values, spirit and traditions of the game."