Should the Rangers Trade Marcus Semien?
The Rangers have already said they plan to slash payroll, and Marcus Semien has been mentioned as a candidate who could be traded to provide payroll relief.
Let’s go through the pros and cons of trading Marcus Semien.
Pros
The biggest pro is getting out of his contract. He is owed $26 million each year in 2026 and 2027, then $20 million in 2028, before he becomes a free agent in 2029. It would be good for the Rangers to get out of that hole from the money owed to Semien.
He also has not been the best hitter since 2023, when he finished third in MVP voting. He hit .237 and .230 the past two years compared to his .276 average in 2023. He was moved all over the lineup to try to get the best out of him, but it didn’t make too much of a difference.
This could open the door for a younger player to get more playing time and develop, like Cody Freeman, a fan favorite who was a big part of the hot streak at the end of the year.
Cons
Even if Semien’s hitting is slumping, his defense doesn’t, as he put together another stellar defensive year and is a finalist for the Gold Glove. He had five defensive runs saved and was worth seven outs above average.
He is also a veteran presence for the team and is a leader for the younger guys. His teammates have spoken about how he puts his head down and does his job, and is an example for his teammates.
Verdict
I think Semien will be part of the team next year, because getting rid of him will shake things up a lot and could affect how the team plays.
I think there are different ways for the team to shed payroll costs.
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Categorized:Rangers