Marcus Semien stands as the most notable signing for the New York Mets after a trade that sent Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers last November. Assigned to the second base position, Semien’s move comes alongside Jeff McNeil’s transfer to the Athletics during the off-season. Meanwhile, uncertainty looms over shortstop Francisco Lindor’s participation in Opening Day, as he just underwent surgery.
During a media briefing on Saturday, Semien expressed his disappointment regarding Lindor’s absence from spring training. He believes that missing these critical practice sessions with his new double-play partner hinders their potential synergy. However, he remains proactive, collaborating with Lindor on strategies for managing the middle infield effectively once Lindor returns.
“That’s a bummer. I was really looking forward to this time in spring. But it doesn’t take away the fact he’s going to be back, hopefully for Opening Day,” Semien mentioned at a press conference in Port St. Lucie, Florida. “We’ve already been talking this offseason about how we want to do things; I can’t wait until he gets here.”
“That’s a bummer, I was really looking forward to this time in spring but it doesn’t take away the fact he’s going to be back hopefully for Opening Day… We’ve already been talking this offseason about how we want to do things, I can’t wait until he gets here.”
Marcus Semien on… pic.twitter.com/5VuVTQES9n
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) February 14, 2026
The Rangers previously signed Semien to a seven-year, $175 million contract prior to the 2022 season. He played a pivotal role in leading the franchise to its first World Series title that very year. As a 34-year-old, Semien continues to showcase elite defensive skills at second base, despite a decline in offensive performance in recent seasons.
Marcus Semien Impresses Mets Manager in Spring Training
Mets’ manager, Carlos Mendoza, expressed satisfaction with Semien’s performance in spring training so far. According to Mendoza, the two-time All-Star’s ability to field ground balls skillfully highlights why he is considered one of the top defenders in the league.
“The range is something that the numbers will tell you. Just watching him today taking routine ground balls, how clean he catches a baseball. That ball goes in the glove cleanly,” Mendoza commented to reporters on Saturday.
Carlos Mendoza on what he’s seen from Marcus Semien so far:
“Just watching him today taking routine ground balls, how clean he catches a baseball. That ball goes in the glove cleanly…. there’s a reason why he’s that good” pic.twitter.com/6p7VVFzTkZ
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) February 14, 2026
“When you see an infielder who is always on his toes, bouncing around, that tells you right there. There’s the reason why he’s that good.”
Achieving his second Gold Glove in 2025, Semien also has three Silver Slugger awards and has ranked in the top three for the American League MVP multiple times. Despite these accolades, his performance last year saw him averaging just .230 with a .364 slugging percentage and a 98 OPS+.
