Various rumors about the New York Mets and Texas Rangers have opened the door to a big trade between the two teams that would see them swap problems while also addressing weaknesses.
The 2025 results for the Mets and Rangers were far below what the pair of clubs expected. New York was expecting to take a big step forward and get to the World Series after reaching the NLCS in 2024. Texas was also hoping to make another serious championship run with a healthy roster that included many of the players who helped them win it all two years ago.
However, both clubs failed to even secure a Wild Card spot in 2025. The disappointing finish to this past season will surely mean some changes for both rosters in the weeks and months ahead. After their defense hurt them often this year, the Mets are expected to make moves to improve that this offseason. The Rangers have a good back-of-the-rotation starter among their various needs this winter.
Well, the two teams could actually help each other out in a potential trade, while also moving on from some problematic contracts.
Should the New York Mets target a Marcus Semien trade?
According to The Athletic, Texas would like to move one of its expensive contracts this winter. However, they reportedly won’t do that by trading Corey Seager or pitchers Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi. The pricey star they would like to move is second baseman Marcus Semien, and the $72 million he is owed for the next three seasons. Despite his declining skills, the three-time All-Star should appeal to the Mets.
On paper, making a trade for a 35-year-old making over $20 million annually doesn’t seem worth it. However, Semien was an All-Star in 2024, had 23 homers and 101 runs scored. He can still make an impact at the plate if he can bounce back from a down year in 2025. But most importantly, he is still a high-level defender and earned Gold Glove honors for the second time in 2025. NY wants defense on the right side, and he brings that.
To make it worth it for the Mets financially, the Rangers would need to take on one-time batting champ and two-time All-Star Jeff McNeil (he can be Semien’s replacement at second) and veteran pitcher Sean Manaea, who is exactly the sort of back-end-of-the-rotation player they are looking for. Texas would take on more money in the deal for next season, but McNeil is off the books after 2026, and Manaea’s deal runs through 2027.
Is it a perfect deal? Probably not. But all three players have had success in the big leagues. A change of scenery could certainly help improve their numbers next season. A deal answers needs while also moving on from unfavorable contracts.
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