The moment was reported by Mike Puma on X: “A guy in a Mets jersey is standing behind the dugout heckling David Stearns pregame: ‘Nimmo is batting .325 right now [with the Texas Rangers]… worst team in baseball, David.’”

Through 20 games in the 2026 season, the Mets sit at 7-13. While not the absolute worst-case scenario, one of the most concerning trends has been their play at home, just three wins in nine games, fueling even more frustration among the fan base.

The fan behind the comment

The individual who shouted at Stearns appears to have identified himself in replies to Puma’s post on X as Daniel Wolfram (@therealdanielwo), a verified user who also shared a photo showing Puma speaking with Stearns at the stadium.

It’s not the first time a fan has publicly criticized a key Mets executive, but given the team’s current struggles in the 2026 MLB season and with some players injured, and Nimmo’s strong start in Texas, the reaction isn’t surprising.

The player who effectively replaced Nimmo on the roster, Marcus Semien, hasn’t produced at the same level. Through 20 games, Semien is hitting .211 with one home run and eight RBIs. Meanwhile, Nimmo has already delivered four home runs, 11 RBIs, and 25 hits in 80 at-bats for the Texas Rangers.

In an article by Jon Heyman for the New York Post, Lindor addressed the situation directly: “Nimmo and I are brothers. I love him. I love him. He’s a great guy. He’s missed around here, good teammate, good person, good family man.”

Heyman also reported that a source described the rumored leadership clash between Lindor and Nimmo as “bogus.” This isn’t the first time those rumors have surfaced, but Nimmo himself had already denied any issues back in February.

Lindor backs up Nimmo’s earlier comments

During the final week of February, Nimmo publicly stated that there was never any conflict with Lindor, even amid speculation about a battle for the Mets’ captaincy. He made it clear that it had nothing to do with his exit from New York.

“Francisco was nothing but kind, nothing but an amazing teammate, an amazing leader,” Nimmo said at the time, also emphasizing that he remains on good terms with the Mets and team ownership. With Lindor now echoing that sentiment, the situation appears fully settled.

Despite spending years in New York, Nimmo has gotten off to a strong start with the Texas Rangers, hitting .360, his best start in years, with nine hits, four RBIs, and a home run in 25 at-bats.

Burger spoke about his new teammate after watching him early in the 2026 season: “Nimmo is always a tough out and fighting off pitches. It felt like that’s something we were missing last year…,” he said of the former Met, who is currently hitting .353.

Seager also likes where Nimmo is slotted in the batting order and added, “It’s definitely a good thing to have at the top of the lineup.” Both comments were reported by Kennedi Landry on X (@kennlandry).

Nimmo thriving outside New York

Nimmo doesn’t appear to miss anything about New York so far. His 2026 start with Texas has been far better than his final season with the Mets, when he opened the year with a tough series against the Houston Astros, hitting just .182 with two hits in 11 at-bats.

In Texas, everything has clicked. He’s recorded six hits in 17 at-bats through the most recent game against the Baltimore Orioles, adding another RBI to bring his total to three this season, along with a home run against the Philadelphia Phillies. It’s been an outstanding start for the outfielder.

According to Baseball Reference projections, Nimmo is expected to hit .250 with 21 home runs over 521 at-bats in 2026. If he maintains his current pace with the Rangers, producing at least one hit per game, he could easily exceed those numbers.

The Mets lost a veteran with plenty of experience, but the Rangers gained a proven player with postseason credentials, one who hasn’t started a season this strong since 2021, when he also opened the year hitting .333.

It was Joel Sherman, in an article for the New York Post, who revealed several things that Nimmo himself admitted were true. Among them was one detail that caught the attention of Mets fans: the former Met often made sure his opinions were strong in meetings and sometimes went on longer than necessary, causing them to drag on.

“Additionally, Nimmo tended to always make sure his voice was heard at meetings and could go on for a while, and it was felt at times that it was all too much. To which, Nimmo said, ‘I did talk a lot at meetings. Maybe that was part of it, too. I heard that,’” Sherman wrote.

Nimmo was somewhat distant from his teammates

It wasn’t just the lengthy speeches in meetings. Nimmo also had a routine that set him apart from some of his teammates. While others would take batting practice at home, he rarely did, believing it disrupted his pregame rhythm. Instead, he preferred to hit closer to game time, shortly before first pitch, a routine that created some distance between him and the rest of the clubhouse.

“As for more minor nuisances that gained criticism toward Nimmo, he did agree those were possibly problems. For example, as part of the program that has allowed him to play so many games the past four years, Nimmo hardly ever takes batting practice at home, feeling it is detrimental to warm up for that (the home team always hits first), then cool down and then heat up again for the game.

“So Nimmo often waits until close to the game, gets into uniform, warms up and goes to play, and that apartness from the club disturbed some. ‘I do think that that part of things had a little bit to do with [the trade],’ Nimmo said.”

At the very least, Nimmo was candid with Sherman and didn’t shy away from any of the writer’s questions. The situation continues to spark conversation about his surprising exit from the club. Mark C. Healey of The Rockaway Wave wrote on X (@markchealey) in response to the report on Nimmo: “He was my favorite player. But enough already.”

“According to Kennedi Landry, Jansen walked into the Rangers clubhouse this morning wearing a shirt that read, ‘I just hope Brandon Nimmo has fun,’” Rangers Nation wrote on X (@rangers__nation), referencing the MLB beat writer’s report.

Nimmo responded in kind. “Minutes later, Nimmo walked in wearing a shirt that said, ‘I just hope Danny Jansen has fun,’” the report added. While neither the former Met nor Jansen has publicly confirmed a close friendship, the gestures suggest strong early chemistry in the clubhouse.

How long has Jansen been with the Rangers?

Like Nimmo, Jansen is also new to Texas. He will play the 2026 season with the Rangers for the first time. Last year, he split time between the Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers, finishing with a .215 batting average.

Jansen brings eight years of MLB experience, two fewer than Nimmo, and spent the bulk of his career with the Toronto Blue Jays. He was with Toronto for six and a half seasons before departing in 2024. While he was never an undisputed everyday starter, he carved out an important role as a reliable bench contributor.

From a financial standpoint, Jansen signed a two-year, $14.5 million deal with the Rangers. His contract is considerably smaller than the eight-year deal Nimmo is still playing under after arriving from the Mets, with Nimmo expected to earn $15.25 million this season.

“I never felt any animosity from Francisco about a captain spot. I never felt it at all. I always told anybody that asked about it, ‘I don’t need a C on my chest to know that I have an impact on this clubhouse,’” Nimmo told Will Sammon of The Athletic.

Speculation surrounding Nimmo’s departure from the Mets centered on that very issue, that both he and Lindor wanted to be captain, prompting president of baseball operations David Stearns and the front office to trade him to the Texas Rangers in exchange for Marcus Semien.

Nimmo had a strong relationship with Lindor

After spending 10 years with the Mets, and five as Lindor’s teammate, Nimmo said their relationship was more than positive. He described Lindor as the type of complete player who fully belongs with the organization he joined in 2021, adding that his leadership and professionalism remain unchanged whether or not he wears the captain’s “C.”

“I don’t think, by any means, does Francisco having a C or not having a C change the way that he goes about his business. Francisco was nothing but kind, nothing but an amazing teammate, an amazing leader,” Nimmo said.

Nimmo also emphasized that he holds no resentment toward the Mets organization following his abrupt exit. In his conversation with Sammon, he said he wishes Stearns the best. “He was extremely successful with Milwaukee, and I’m sure he will be extremely successful with the Mets,” Nimmo said. He also acknowledged that he still maintains a strong relationship with owner Steve Cohen. “Still have a great relationship.”

Speaking to Foul Territory, Nimmo sent a clear message to the Mets, stating that now at least he feels cherished. “You want to be where you’re wanted, where you’re appreciated, and the Rangers made it abundantly clear.”

Nimmo had a career-high 25 home runs in 2025, but the Mets still traded him. He slashed .324/.436/.760 but the fact was that David Stearns wanted a change, and that ultimately was the factor that determined Nimmo’s fate.

Steve Cohen spoke about Nimmo too

Per Will Sammon of The Athletic, Cohen spoke to Nimmo explaining the situation and why he was getting traded. “This is really hard for me [Cohen] 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.” Cohen then expanded on the reasoning behind the move.

“But also, this is David’s team,” Cohen said. “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.”

Nimmo’s role with the Rangers is almost defined

Skip Schumaker, who is the Rangers manager, said that Nimmo will likely hit leadoff, as well as playing right field. Nimmo spent most of the 2024 season batting second, but as the leadoff, Nimmo has been incredibly effective.

Across 2,647 trips to the plate as a leadoff hitter, Nimmo has been a model of consistency, posting a .268/.372/.448 slash line. His ability has earned him 319 walks, while his sneaky power has made Nimmo go for 80 home runs from the top of the lineup.

The Texas leadoff spot became an irregular mess in 2025 where the team failed to find a rhythm once Marcus Semien moved out of the role. The Rangers’ production plummeted due to that. The team’s leadoff hitters limped to the fifth-lowest OBP in the MLB. This makes Nimmo’s elite on-base skills a plug-and-play solution for the lineup.

According to Christopher Kline of Fansided, “If the New York Mets whiff on Tucker, Bellinger and the top of the free agent market, the outfield need will take on greater urgency… might Max Kepler be worth a call. Kepler can generate real power from the left side and he’s not undisciplined in the box. New York can keep him in their back pocket if bigger free agent targets fall through.”

The Mets’ priority is Cody Bellinger, but given the uncertainty around that deal, Kepler could possibly be the solution they’ve been needed after trading Brandon Nimmo. The team desperately needs a leftfielder. The deal could be around he $7.6 million mark.

Kepler is looking for a bounceback year

The Phillies didn’t see the best version of Kepler, he ended the season with slashes of .216/.300/.391/.691 with 19 doubles, 18 home runs, and 52 RBIs in 127 games played.

Still, the Mets could hope for the numbers Kepler posted two years ago. The German-born posted .260/.332/.484/.816 with 22 doubles, 24 homers, and 66 RBI in 130 games in 2023 with the Twins. He has huge upside.

The Phillies are covered in the left field

The Phillies just signed a five-year, $150 million contract with Kyle Schwarber. Schwarber is one of the MLB‘s most feared power hitters, but his defense has been criticized and is below-average. Hence, he is more regarded as a designated-hitter than a leftfielder. Or if not, they might trust prospect Justin Crawford in his first year in the majors.

The joint statement from Alex and her husband, team owner Steve Cohen, read: “Brandon represented our organization with heart, grit and passion. He embodied everything that it meant to be a Met on and off the field. We are grateful for everything he gave to our team and community. We wish Brandon, Chelsea and Tatum all the best.”

The post, shared on the Mets’ X account, has collected 94 replies so far, many of them from fans upset about the Nimmo trade. “Terrible trade,” wrote Johnny St. Pete (@johnmccloy). “Nimmo was the heart of the team and you ripped it out,” added Barbara Granickas (@Samandphilsmom).

Some fans believe trading Nimmo was unnecessary

While a few fans supported the Cohens’ message, the overwhelming sentiment was that moving on from Nimmo didn’t need to happen. “You didn’t have to trade him,” one fan said. “I hope you have a plan because this move just made the team worse on the field and at the plate,” added Zak123 (@zaklukiewicz).

“Steve, you s— for letting this happen. You bring in an older player on the down side of his career. And look at his stats — Nimmo is much better than him. Bring back Pete and Diaz already, it is disgraceful that you haven’t done that yet. Wake up, the team is going backwards,” wrote William Thompson Jr. (@william50819989).

“Brandon Nimmo was everything to this team and we all wanted to see him retire a Met. Most of us wanted him to be captain. Nothing you say will fix this. Nothing,” said Danielle (@MississippiMets) in an emotional reaction to the outfielder’s departure.

Fans call for Edwin Díaz and Pete Alonso to return

Mixed in with the harsh replies to the Cohens’ message were fans demanding the team reunite with two of their stars. “Cool, now sign Díaz, Alonso and Bellinger. Other than that, we really don’t care about the platitudes,” wrote Shawn O’Halloran (@lasvegasgeeks).

“Steve Cohen, don’t let your POBO dismantle this core. His rotation was the glaring reason we didn’t make the playoffs. Pete must be signed. Losing two homegrown fan favorites isn’t gonna sit well with fans,” wrote Stacy NYC (@hustlediva1) in response.

“The Mets would not have brought this trade if they didn’t feel like it put the Mets in the best position to win going forward,” Nimmo said, speaking calmly and sounding fully aligned with the decision. “They made it very apparent that they weren’t actively shopping me but that the Rangers really, really, really wanted me.”

In the long message posted by SNY Mets, Nimmo admitted he’s starving to win a World Series. “I would not have waived the no-trade clause if I did not think that I could come here [Texas] and win and be a part of chasing that World Series.”

A World Series is at the center of Nimmo’s priorities

Among the many things Nimmo addressed, he emphasized twice how important winning a World Series is to him. He called it a major goal and made it clear that personal stats or franchise records, things that could’ve helped define a strong career with the Mets, were not what he truly wanted.

“We wanted to know that there was a willingness and a want, if we went to the Rangers, that they wanted to win. That is my ultimate goal. The personal stuff, that’s all great, and I think it’s evident by this decision that there’s a solid chance that if I stay healthy, if I just kept producing — me and David Wright would’ve been pretty much the only ones that started and finished with the Mets. I could’ve had a pretty good chance of having the numbers in the rafters, but that’s not what it all means to me. I would honestly rather win a World Series.”

Nimmo admits the trade caught him off guard

Fans wanted to know if Nimmo was upset by the trade. In his recent comments, he admitted it wasn’t something he saw coming. “It definitely took me as a shock. I was surprised to hear that.” And as previously reported, it took him several days to accept the move.

Nimmo also revealed he spoke with Jacob deGrom, his former Mets teammate until 2022. The pitcher helped him work through the decision, and according to Nimmo, he is “really, really excited” to have him in Texas. “I would not have waived the no-trade clause if I did not think that I could come here and win and be a part of chasing that World Series.”

But as he said himself, if the trade was truly what the Mets believed was best for their future, then that’s how he viewed it too. He accepted it as something that could benefit the organization.

President of Baseball Operations David Stearns spoke briefly about that “benefit,” saying cautiously, “I don’t know if it’s necessarily wanting to change the clubhouse dynamics. I think it’s a recognition that what we did last year wasn’t good enough and running back the exact same group wasn’t the right thing to do,” when asked whether moving Nimmo was meant to alter locker room chemistry.

Mets fans get one last message from Nimmo

Before heading to his new team, Nimmo made sure to say goodbye to the Mets fans who supported him through the years, from the minors to the majors. He thanked them for their loyalty and love.

“There is truly no way I could adequately put into words how much my tenure with the Mets has meant to me. All I can say is thank you. Thank you Mets fans for embracing and welcoming a kid from Cheyenne, Wyoming to the Big Apple. I always aspired to become a big leaguer—I never knew I’d have the opportunity to accomplish that dream in a city so wildly passionate about the game of baseball. The last 14 years have felt like a dream, and it has been an absolute honor to share them with you. You made me feel like family, and I hope you felt the same. I will always be grateful for our time and memories together. With love, always,” Nimmo wrote on Instagram.

One of the first reports on how difficult the situation was for Nimmo came from Mike Puma: “The Mets approached Nimmo on Friday asking him to waive his no-trade. He spent the next day or so considering it, including a chat with Jacob deGrom, before giving his OK,” he wrote on X.

It’s still unknown what Nimmo discussed with deGrom, and perhaps that information will surface later. But it’s clear that learning about the trade wasn’t something he could process quickly, especially after posting strong individual numbers for the Mets this season, including 155 games, 92 RBI, 25 home runs and 154 hits.

Michael Marino reported something similar to Puma regarding Nimmo

As a national MLB reporter, Marino is plugged into key trade developments, and one of the details he learned from his sources is that Nimmo’s decision wasn’t easy. It wasn’t a one-day situation but rather several days of reflection before he ultimately approved the move.

“Sources have told me that Brandon Nimmo’s decision to waive his NTC was not an easy one. Brandon took multiple days to decide if he was willing to leave the Mets. All indications are he absolutely loved New York and his time with the Mets. A fan favorite will be deeply missed,” Marino wrote on X.

Why did Nimmo have to approve the trade?

According to Michael Baron of Just Mets, Nimmo still had five years remaining on his contract, and along with the no-trade clause, the Mets also owed him a significant amount of money over that span.

“Brandon Nimmo had five years, $100 million and a full no trade clause attached to him. So he had to approve a deal to Texas,” Baron wrote on X, where he also shared his thoughts on Semien: “Marcus Semien has 3 years, $72 million left on his deal. They’re getting a plus defender and a meh bat. But this ups the Mets’ run prevention ability.”