Veteran outfielder Brandon Nimmo is embracing a leadership role as he prepares for the upcoming season, drawing on lessons learned from respected veterans earlier in his career.

Speaking in a recent interview with Foul Territory, Nimmo discussed how former teammates helped shape his professional approach both on and off the field.

He specifically credited players like Jay Bruce, Curtis Granderson, and David Wright for teaching him how to handle the daily grind of a long major-league season when he was a member of the New York Mets.

“They just showed me how to conduct myself both on and off the field,” Nimmo said. “How to try and find the one percent — the little edges you can find that give you an advantage in this game.”

Nimmo explained that early in his career he played with an all-out style that sometimes put unnecessary strain on his body. A conversation with Bruce helped shift his mindset toward durability and consistency.

“It was actually Jay Bruce that came up to me and said, ‘I love the way you play the game, but I need you out there for 150 or 160 games,’” Nimmo said. “He told me I needed to play smarter, not harder, and that really stuck with me.”

That advice helped Nimmo better understand the physical demands of a full season and how preparation can impact long-term performance. Now one of the more experienced voices in the clubhouse, he believes it is his responsibility to pass along those same lessons.

“I think it’s my turn to try and impart some of that wisdom to the younger guys,” Nimmo said.

Nimmo highlighted the importance of communication and sharing different perspectives, especially when players arrive from different organizations with varied routines and training styles.

He emphasized that leadership is often demonstrated through consistency and example rather than speeches.

“You lead by example, first and foremost,” Nimmo said. “Everyone here is extremely talented, so you’re just trying to find that little bit of an edge.”

He also stressed the importance of baseball IQ and preparation, noting that many games are decided by only a few moments.

“A lot of times games are won or lost on one or two pitches,” Nimmo said. “Using your mind can be the biggest separator.”

Nimmo added that mentoring younger players, including rising talents such as Wyatt Langford and Evan Carter, is something he takes seriously as he continues his own career development.

By sharing the lessons that once guided him, Nimmo hopes to help the next generation maximize their talent while strengthening clubhouse culture moving forward.

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