Rumors swirling around the New York Mets and Texas Rangers have sparked talk of a major trade that would allow both clubs to exchange underperforming pieces while shoring up notable weaknesses on their rosters.
Both teams fell far short of expectations in 2025. After reaching the NLCS in 2024, the Mets anticipated taking the next leap toward a World Series appearance. Meanwhile, the Rangers hoped a healthier roster featuring key contributors from their 2023 championship run would fuel another deep postseason push.
Instead, neither team even qualified for a Wild Card berth. Such disappointing outcomes almost guarantee significant roster adjustments in the coming offseason. The Mets, plagued by defensive issues throughout the year, are expected to prioritize upgrades in that area. The Rangers enter winter searching for rotation help, particularly at the back end.
A potential trade between the clubs could help both sides address these needs while shedding contracts viewed as burdensome.
Should the Mets pursue a Marcus Semien deal?
The Athletic reports that Texas is interested in unloading one of its costly contracts, though Corey Seager, Jacob deGrom, and Nathan Eovaldi are not options. Instead, they’re open to moving second baseman Marcus Semien, who is owed $72 million across the next three seasons. Despite declining production, the three-time All-Star could still be attractive to New York.
Trading for a 35-year-old earning over $20 million per year might not sound ideal, but Semien was an All-Star in 2024, hit 23 home runs, scored 101 runs, and remains an elite defender—winning his second Gold Glove in 2025. Since the Mets want steadier defense on the right side of their infield, he fits that priority.
For the deal to make financial sense, Texas would likely need to take on Jeff McNeil—who could directly replace Semien at second base—and starter Sean Manaea, a pitcher fitting the back-end role the Rangers need. Although Texas would absorb more short-term salary, McNeil’s contract expires after 2026 and Manaea’s after 2027.
Is the trade perfect? No. But all three players have proven track records, and a change of scenery might spark a rebound. The proposal meets needs for both sides while also allowing each team to move off contracts they no longer want.
