New York Mets Make Blockbuster Trade For Marcus Semien
The stove is officially hot! The New York Mets and Texas Rangers have agreed to a blockbuster trade that will send Marcus Semien to the Mets and Brandon Nimmo to the Rangers, per Jeff Passan. The Mets now have their long-term second baseman to pair alongside Francisco Lindor.
Mets Make a Huge Splash
The New York Mets roster is going to look very different this season, and David Stearns is already hard at work. Semien has struggled the past two seasons, but with the opportunity to move off of Brandon Nimmo’s contract, why not take a chance on the former All-Star?
In the last two seasons, Semien’s bat has regressed significantly. He hasn’t hit over .240 since 2023, and his home runs per season have continued to slide. The good news is that he still held a high walk rate and a 17.4 strikeout percentage, which ranked in the 74th percentile.
Semien is set to make $26 million over the next three seasons and will get a fresh start in Queens. Even if Semien doesn’t hit at a high level, he will give the Mets elite defense on the right side of the infield. If his swing can translate in Citi Field, the New York Mets pulled off an absolute heist.
What Does This Mean For the Rangers?
The Rangers will take on the rest of Nimmo’s remaining contract, and he is set to make $20 million per season until his age-37 season in 2030. Nimmo had a nice bounce-back season after struggling in 2024, slashing .262/.324/.436/.720. The contract isn’t great, but Texas is adding a good hitter with solid power to its lineup.
The questionable part of this move is that it runs counter to what we thought was the Rangers’ plan heading into the offseason: shedding payroll. Acquiring Nimmo adds more money per year on a longer contract. My guess is that Texas didn’t want to wait for Semien’s resurgence and wanted to add someone who could give them more immediately. The Rangers have an incredible pitching staff and will continue to focus on adding to the lineup to get back to the playoffs.
What’s Next For Both Teams?
I expect the Mets to add another outfielder in the coming weeks, with Cody Bellinger being the best fit on the market. Bellinger’s versatility allows him to play first base or any of the three outfield positions, addressing the team’s need for defensive flexibility.
The Mets need another consistent bat at the top of their lineup—a role they hope Semien will fill as a reliable leadoff hitter next season. While these moves shape the Mets’ strategy, the Rangers face their own set of decisions.
As for the Rangers, I’d expect everything to be on the table. It is yet to be seen whether they’re really willing to move Corey Seager and continue dismantling their former World Series roster. Getting Nimmo is a good start, getting an above-average player on offense and defense. With the free agent market among the weakest we’ve seen in years, Texas will need to make more creative deals like the one they did today if they want to have a chance to compete with the Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners in the American League West.
