NEW YORK – In need to improve their defense, the Mets acquired MLBbro Marcus Semien in a trade that sent outfielder Brandon Nimmo to the Rangers. Semien is expected to be the everyday second baseman for New York in 2026.    

According to Mets general manager David Stearns, trade talks between the two clubs started getting serious towards the end of the GM meetings almost two weeks ago. The trade was completed Sunday after Nimmo waived his no-trade clause.

The Mets are making changes to the roster after going 21-32 during the last two months of the 2025 and failing to reach the postseason.     

“[The trade is] recognition that what we did last year wasn’t good enough,” Stearns said. “Running back the same group [from last year] wasn’t the right thing to do. As we went into this [offseason], we believe that we have to be open to anything. … Ultimately, if we are able to put transactions together that we think makes sense for the team now and into the future, we have to consider it regardless of what names are involved.”    

 

         

Marcus Semien Brings Gold Glove To Mets Infield 

Semien’s defensive skills are the main reasons he is a member of the Mets. While he had a down season in the batter’s box, Semien, 35, won the second Gold Glove of his career. In ‘25, Semien played in 1108.1 innings [127 games], made just two errors and recorded a plus-five in defensive runs saved. That was good enough for a career-high .996 fielding percentage. Semien’s season came to an end after Aug. 21 after suffering a left foot contusion. 

Defense isn’t the only intangible that impressed the Mets. Semien has a work ethic and the leadership skills that should improve the atmosphere in the clubhouse and on the field. 

“We talked to his former teammates, former coaches and people who were around him. This is someone who takes his craft seriously, someone who does everything he can on a regular basis to get in the lineup and perform at a high level,” Stearns said. “He practices hard and holds those expectations on his teammates as well. That’s going to fit in very well for our group.”      

 

Mets Expect A Rebound Season From Marcus Semien At The Plate

Stearns believes Semien can rebound at the plate. After all, Semien is a three-time All-Star who has reached the century mark in RBIs twice in his career. The last coming in 2023, when he helped the Rangers capture their first-ever World Series title. 

“I think there are still some underlying aspects of what he does that are encouraging for us offensively,” Stearns said. “It’s known that this is a player that has contributed to winning baseball in a variety of different ways. The bat may not lead the way at this point of his career. We think there is likely some bounce back in his offensive profile. What we are counting on at the top of his skillset is the contribution he can make for us defensively, how he can perform on the bases, everything that is going to help us win games.”