After the Mets & Rangers both missed the playoffs last season, both teams were very likely looking to shake up their rosters where possible. The two teams made what can be considered a baseball trade on November 23. Marcus Semien, part of the Rangers’ 2023 World Series championship team, was traded to the Mets. In exchange, the Rangers picked up outfielder Brandon Nimmo.
The Mets’ Return
- 2B Marcus Semien (.230/.305/.364, 15 HR and 32 XBH over 127 GP)
Now-former Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien had a bWAR of 3.3 last season, the fifth straight year of a 3.0+ bWAR from the 35-year-old. However, the 2025 campaign marked the second straight season that Semien posted a sub-.700 OPS.
The past two seasons have marked a steady decline in offensive production for Semien, the three-time AL All-Star. From 2021 through 2023, Semien was one of 11 Major League players to have 100+ home runs in that timespan — and the only middle infielder in that bunch.
His offensive production, coupled with fantastic defense at second base — which translated over to short after he moved off the #6 spot in 2021 — made Semien one of the most valuable players in baseball.
However, things have unraveled for Semien since then. His ISO has dipped in each of the last two seasons. Semien hit 23 home runs in 2024, followed by just a 15-home run season in 2025. Semien’s struggles forced the Rangers to shift him out of the leadoff spot, moving him down the lineup until he settled into the #3 slot.
A left foot contusion ended his 2025 season in August.
The 35-year-old isn’t a pure plus power hitter by any stretch of the imagination, even though he once hit 45 home runs in a campaign. He’s never put up eye-popping Barrel% numbers year-to-year. Nor does Semien rank above-average in bat speed; he ranked in the bottom 20% of the league in that category last season.
Semien has made a living off of being a pull-heavy, fly-ball hitter who attacks the ball well. He’s ranked above-average in attack angle and does a good job of controlling the bat and squaring up pitches.
Defensively, Semien has graded out as one of baseball’s best defenders over the last few years. Semien is a two-time Gold Glove winner.
Semien has three years left on the deal he signed back in 2021 with the Rangers. His salary over the next three years is $26MM in 2026 and 2027, followed by $20MM in 2028.
The Rangers’ Return
- OF Brandon Nimmo (.262/.324/.436, 25 HR & 52 XBH over 155 GP)
Brandon Nimmo has been a Met his entire professional baseball career, dating back to when he was drafted back in 2011.
The longest-tenured Met on the roster before the reported trade, Nimmo didn’t land regular playing time until 2018. That season, Nimmo posted a .404 OBP and racked up 53 extra-base hits, showcasing the potential he always had offensively.
However, injuries hampered Nimmo in 2019 and 2021. He thrived in his contract year in 2022, as he led the NL in triples (7) and picked up 53 extra-base hits before the Mets signed him to an eight-year extension.
The 32-year-old has thrived for the most part, as he has hit at least 23 home runs in each of the last three years. This past season, Nimmo hit 25 home runs and drove in a career-best 92 runs.
With Nimmo, the tools package includes a plus eye that netted him at least 70 walks in four of his 10 MLB seasons. His eye is arguably the best tool in his skillset. Although his Chase% (24.2%) was above the league-average, Nimmo didn’t walk as much in 2025, a byproduct of transitioning from being a leadoff man to a run producer.
Nimmo was the leadoff man for quite some time before ceding to Francisco Lindor in 2024.
Much of his contact isn’t soft by any means. However, Nimmo is prone to topping off at balls from time to time
Defensively, Nimmo has moved to being a full-time left fielder over the last few seasons. The arm isn’t plus. However, he does have good footspeed.
Nimmo has five years left on his current deal, with a salary of $20.5MM in each of those final five seasons.
What to Make of Trade
While there’ve been rumors of the Rangers being open to trading away Corey Seager to move off salary, the first big shoe to drop turned out to be Semien.
The loss of Semien takes away a very good defender, something the Mets likely coveted. Defense wasn’t a strength for the Mets last season, particularly on the right side of that infield. Semien is a Gold Glover who should fit in well defensively with the likes of Nolan McLean, Clay Holmes, and Brandon Sproat, all pitchers who work well down in the zone.
However, it’ll be interesting to see how much offensive production the Mets can get out of Semien. At 35 years of age, players generally don’t rise in that regard.
As for the Rangers, Nimmo would be a big upgrade in the leadoff hole should Texas be interested in using him there.
Offensively, Nimmo is also an upgrade from Adolis Garcia. Garcia was recently non-tendered by the Rangers. He would slot into a young outfield, one that includes Alejandro Osuna, Evan Carter, and Wyatt Langford.
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