Brandon Nimmo 'Numbed' by Unexpected Mets Trade

Longtime Mets outfielder reflects on learning of his trade to another team.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 4:23am

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Brandon Nimmo, a longtime outfielder for the New York Mets, was caught off guard when Mets head of baseball operations David Stearns called him unexpectedly on November 20th. Nimmo knew something important was happening, and when he answered the call, he learned that he had been traded to another team, leaving him feeling "numbed" by the news.

Why it matters

Nimmo had been a fixture in the Mets' outfield for several seasons, so his sudden trade came as a surprise to both him and Mets fans. This story provides insight into how players react when they unexpectedly learn they have been traded to a new team, and highlights the human element of professional sports transactions.

The details

Nimmo said Stearns' call came around 2 p.m. on November 20th, which was unusual as the two typically communicated via text to set up a time to talk. When Nimmo answered, he initially thought Stearns might need his opinion on a time-sensitive trade involving another player. However, Stearns informed Nimmo that he had in fact been traded to a new team, leaving Nimmo feeling "numbed" by the unexpected news.

  • Nimmo received the unexpected call from Mets executive David Stearns on November 20th, around 2 p.m.

The players

Brandon Nimmo

A longtime outfielder for the New York Mets who was recently traded to another team, leaving him feeling "numbed" by the unexpected news.

David Stearns

The head of baseball operations for the New York Mets, who called Nimmo unexpectedly to inform him of the trade.

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What they’re saying

“Brandon Nimmo's cellphone rang on Nov. 20 and David Stearns' name came up on the screen, and in that moment, Nimmo knew something important was afoot.”

— Brandon Nimmo

The takeaway

This story highlights the human side of professional sports transactions, as even longtime players can be caught off guard when they are unexpectedly traded to a new team. Nimmo's reaction underscores the emotional impact these moves can have on athletes who have established themselves with a particular franchise.