In an intriguing one-for-one swap of notable veterans, the Mets and Rangers agreed to a deal that will send the second baseman Marcus Semien Traded to Queens for an outfielder. Brandon Nimmo. The state also donated $5MM to help Texas offset part of the difference between the two players’ remaining salaries.
There were reports earlier this week that the Mets were open to trading Nimmo, but as of Thursday, trade talks reportedly had not progressed to the point where the Mets had reached out to Nimmo to waive the no-trade clause in his contract. Mike Puma of the New York Post wrote today that the team raised the topic of a Texas trade to Nimmo on Friday. After a day of thinking and talking with the Rangers ace (and his former Mets teammates) Jacob deGromNemo agreed to approve the deal.
Considering this week’s trade frenzy, it wouldn’t be entirely shocking to see the veteran outfielder’s time in New York come to an end. That being said, a straight-up trade for Semien is eye-opening considering he just had a dismal year and his own future price tag is quite substantial.
Semien signed a seven-year, $17MM free agent contract with Texas in the 2021-22 offseason with three seasons remaining. Nimmo is owed $101.25MM through the 2030 season because he signed an eight-year, $16MM free agent deal with the Mets in December 2022, with three years already completed. Since the luxury tax figures were recalculated to account for the remaining money owed after the trade, Semien’s tax amount is $24, while Nimmo’s tax amount is $19.25 (taking into account $5 Texas is from New York).
As a result, the Mets will take a slightly larger tax hit while reducing the total amount owed, while the Rangers will take a reduced tax amount but add a larger total amount to their books. This creates an interesting question for the Texas club, which is expected to take a payroll cut this winter, but it’s worth noting that the Rangers cleared a chunk of money (projected to be $21.1MM) via four non-tenderers on Friday.
While the financial factors can’t be ignored, this deal is also an old-fashioned “baseball deal” of need, giving both the Mets and Rangers a need. Starting with Texas, the team prioritized a different offensive approach based on contact hitting and getting on base.
Nimmo’s strikeout rate has been generally average throughout his career, although his chase and save percentages have been above average. His on-base percentage had also been strong, but suddenly dropped to 7.7% in 2025, a career low for the outfielder all season. Nonetheless, Nimmo hit .262/.324/.436 with 25 home runs and a 114 wRC+ in 652 games as New York’s everyday left fielder. Public defensive metrics have also been more favorable to Nimmo’s glove since he moved from center field to left field.
since Adolis Garcia Now non-tenderable, Nimmo could slide into Arlington’s left field spot. Evan Carter or (probably more likely) Wyatt Langford Moved to Garcia’s old spot in right field. The second base is now open Josh Smith or Ezequiel Duran In the short term, the best prospects are Sebastian Walcott It may also be possible to find a home on Cornerstone, depending on the length of time Corey Seager Still playing shortstop. The Rangers can now also explore the trade or free agent option market at second base, with Semien no longer in the mix.
Nimmo, who was drafted by the Mets with the 13th overall pick in the 2011 draft, has spent his entire career with the Amazons and has become a fan favorite due to his consistent offense. Injuries were a major obstacle early in Nimmo’s career as he enters his age-32 season, but he has played in at least 151 games in each of the past four seasons.
In short, the Rangers seemed more willing to pay Nimmo a little extra money over an extended period of time than to pay him during Semien’s 35-37 season. Semien had a durable career, but he suffered a rare serious injury in 2025, limiting him to just 127 games due to a Lisfranc sprain and a small fracture in his left foot. Health concerns aside, Texas may be more worried about Semien’s declining performance over the past three seasons.
In 2023, Semien’s final year as a senior hitter, he hit .276/.348/.478 with 29 home runs and over 753 PA for the Rangers’ World Series team. Semien posted a 128 wRC+ that year and his key role in Texas’ first championship game will forever make him a beloved figure in Arlington. However, after that fantasy season, Semien fell to a 101 wRC+ in 2024 and then a subpar 89 wRC+ in 2025. A .251 BABIP over the past two seasons is part of the explanation, but the bigger culprit is the massive drop in power.
Even if Citi Field is considered a pitcher-friendly ballpark, a change of scenery might allow Semien’s bat to shine. Semien does bring a right-handed hitting element to the Mets’ left-leaning lineup, now minus Nimmo’s everyday left-handed swing. In addition to Semien’s offense and his reputation as a clubhouse leader, he remains an excellent defensive second baseman who just won his second career Gold Glove.
Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns said preventing runs is a major area of improvement for his team, so installing Semien at second base is a major defensive upgrade. Moving a reliable defender like Nimmo out of left field is a blow in itself, but Jeff McNeil That could make up some of the difference, as left field now looks to be McNeil’s primary position, with Semien locked in at second base. McNeil could also get a part-time job in midfield, or he could end up on another roster, as rival teams have been discussing McNeil in trade talks.
Considering first and third base are more volatile infield positions heading into the winter, it’s a bit surprising to see New York make such a prominent move at second base. Pete Alonsofree agent leaves first base vacant, and Brett Batty Now it looks like a stay at third base will be in order under Semien. best prospect Jett Williams Expected to make his MLB debut in 2026, the outfield could now be Williams’ replacement for Semien and Francisco Lindor Already occupying center infield. The addition of Semien also raises new questions about how the Mets will combine Mark Ventos, Luis Angel Acunaand Ronnie Mauricio Enter the infield mix, or either of these players (or Batty) could be a trade chip now.
Nimmo’s departure also means the Mets can make bigger moves to address their outfield issues. The club is already expected to look for midfield help and Juan Soto If the Mets were to acquire a new right fielder, he would likely be moved to left field. This may lead to some inevitable Kyle Tucker Guess, but Cody Bellinger It’s no secret that he’s a player that the Amazins keep an eye on.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan first reported the teams were in the final stages of a deal involving Semien and Nimmo, while Jon Heyman of the New York Post provided more details on the $5MM heading to Arlington. Nimmo has agreed to waive his no-trade clause, according to Will Salmon of The Athletic.
Illustrations by Jerome Miron (Semien) and Vincent Carchicetta (Nimmo) — Imagn Images
