Mets and Rangers Finalize Trade Involving Marcus Semien and Brandon Nimmo
In a surprising turn of events, the New York Mets and Texas Rangers are reportedly finalizing a trade that will send second baseman Marcus Semien to the Mets in exchange for outfielder Brandon Nimmo. This one-for-one deal, which is nearing completion, has caught many off guard, especially since Semien is coming off a down year at the plate and still has a significant contract left.
Nimmo, a veteran outfielder who has been with the Mets since being drafted in 2011, has agreed to waive his no-trade clause to allow the trade to go through. The decision comes after reports surfaced earlier this week suggesting the Mets were open to moving Nimmo. While it’s not entirely shocking to see him leave, the direct swap for Semien raises some eyebrows, particularly because Semien has not been as productive in recent seasons.
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Semien is entering the final three years of a seven-year, $175 million contract signed with the Rangers in 2021, with $72 million remaining on his deal. On the other hand, Nimmo is locked into an eight-year, $162 million contract, with $101.25 million left through 2030. In terms of luxury tax numbers, Semien’s hit is $24 million, while Nimmo’s stands at $20.25 million, which means the Mets will take on a slightly higher tax burden. However, the Rangers will add more overall money to their books, which is an interesting development considering they were expected to reduce payroll this offseason.
Beyond the financial aspects, this trade makes sense for both teams in terms of addressing positional needs. The Rangers have been prioritizing contact hitting and getting on base, which aligns with Nimmo’s skill set. Though his power numbers have dipped recently, he still offers solid offense with a career-low 7.7% walk rate in 2025. Defensively, Nimmo has proven to be a reliable left fielder, and he could slide into that spot for the Rangers. As for the Mets, they are gaining a more versatile player in Semien, who offers stability at second base and a strong defensive presence, despite his recent struggles at the plate.
Semien’s decline over the past two seasons, due in part to injuries and a drop in power, has raised concerns for the Rangers. He was limited to 127 games in 2025 due to a Lisfranc sprain and a small foot fracture, and his offensive output has been significantly down from his peak years. In contrast, Nimmo’s durability has been a major asset, as he has played in at least 151 games in each of the past four seasons.
For the Mets, this move signals a shift towards addressing the future, with Nimmo’s lengthy contract weighing heavily. Semien’s shorter contract may also provide the Mets with more flexibility in the coming years. It’s clear that both teams are making moves to strengthen their lineups in different ways, and this trade is likely just the beginning of an eventful offseason for both clubs.
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