Marcus Semien has a lot left in the tank at 35 years old.
Part of a profound roster overhaul for the New York Mets, Semien was dealt to Queens from the Texas Rangers back in November as part of a one-for-one swap with outfielder Brandon Nimmo, a second baseman who still has three years and $72 million remaining on his contract.
Now sporting new threads in the Big Apple, Semien is looking for a bounce-back season.
Typically, an ironman, Semien played in just 127 games in 2025, the lowest total he’s logged in a full season since 2017, when he only suited up for 85 games due to a wrist contusion as a member of the Oakland Athletics. Last year, Semien fouled a ball off his left foot in late August, which led to a fracture and a sprain that ended his season.
Even before the injury, the San Francisco native showed signs of regression at the plate, posting his worst showing by OPS+ (97) since the shortened 2020 campaign. He only hit .120, clubbed just 15 homers, while his contact rates dipped lower across the board.
Yet the Mets were still willing to bring in Semien and make him their starting second baseman for the foreseeable future, so why?
Marcus Semien Has Offensive Tools Mets Need
In an effort to become more well-rounded in the hopes of getting back to October, New York prioritized contact, speed, and defense in the offseason, with Semien being a prime example. Including the context of a down year offensively, he still posted 3.3 bWar, highlighting the values Semien brings to the ballpark in all areas.
Despite being sidelined for the last month and a half of the year, Semien still took home the 2025 American League second baseman Gold Glove Award. He collected seven outs above average and five defensive runs saved, both leading the AL while being tied for the fewest errors committed (two) at the position in the sport.
Also still a tough out at the dish, Semien continues to show strong plate discipline and peskiness. In 2025, he posted above-average rates at squaring the ball up, chasing, swinging and missing, and walking. The 6-0 second baseman will also not be at the top of the lineup, like in his days with the Rangers when he led off. So Semien can contribute to the bottom half of the Mets’ order, lengthening it as someone who can provide veteran, quality at-bats.
Prepare for The Bounce Back
And even though he is in his mid-30s, Semien still has wheels. Landing in the 81st percentile in sprint speed, Semien can still be a threat on the basepaths, as he stole 11 bags last year and could swipe even more with a full, healthy season.
The Mets’ new second baseman is just one year removed from being named an All-Star, and only two years removed from finishing third in AL MVP voting. Motivated to help New York get back to the playoffs by being a needed leader in the clubhouse and a plus player on the diamond, Semien is still a valuable asset.
