The 2023 MLB season will see some game-changing new rules from a pitch clock to banning the shift. But one change that will fundamentally change runners function is the increased size of the bases.
No longer are the bases 15 square inches. Instead, they'll be increased to 18 inches to not only decrease injuries on the base paths but increase the number of stolen bases, which has become a lost art in recent seasons.
Mets center fielder Brandon Nimmo, despite being known for his speed in the outfield, is notorious for not attempting to steal bases.
In 2022, the 29-year-old stole just three bases on five attempts, and has only swiped 23 bags in his seven-year career -- his career-high was nine stolen bases in 2018.
Speaking on SNY Mets Hot Stove on Wednesday, the Wyoming native said he plans to work on his base-stealing this spring.
“It's definitely an area of improvement that I've highlighted. Let's see how this plays out this spring training,” Nimmo said. “Let's see how the bigger bases, how this works and it's something that I think I can take advantage of, but only when it makes sense.”
Nimmo explained that while it’s tempting to attempt steals more with the bigger bases, it will depend on the situation. One example the outfielder gave was if Pete Alonso or Francisco Lindor is hitting well and there’s just a 50 percent shot of a successful steal, he’ll let them swing.
“The most important thing for me is to continue being me and get on base for those guys,” he continued. “I can score from first base when they hit the ball in the gap, which they do that a lot, but then when the opportunities present themselves let's take advantage of it.”
He also says the catchers in the NL East are really good at shutting down the running game, but if they or the pitchers start to get lazy they want to be ready.
“We will take advantage of those situations, but we don't want to just be throwing away outs on the basepaths, either, because we have a really great offense,” he said.
Nimmo will be at the top of that great offense when the 2023 season starts after re-signing with the Mets on a eight-year, $162 million deal this offseason.
The Mets selected Nimmo in the first round of the 2011 MLB Draft, and the outfielder made it clear towards the end of last season that he wanted to return.
“I don’t have much to hide. I wear my heart on my sleeve,” Nimmo said. “I made it very clear that if the Mets were willing to have me back I would love to be back. The feeling was mutual. It happened in about four hours. We were really glad.
“I ended up exactly where I wanted to end up. The Mets saw in me what I saw in them. We know each other and we’re very comfortable with how we operate. Both sides liked what each other brought to the table and [the deal] happened rather quickly once we got to the table.”
Nimmo slashed .274/.367/.433 in 2022 and stayed healthy, playing 151 games. He looks to continue that good hitting and lead the Mets to a World Series this upcoming season.