Marcus Semien Reportedly Traded to Mets, Brandon Nimmo to Rangers, Updated Payrolls
The New York Mets reportedly have landed a three-time All-Star.
Per ESPN's Jeff Passan, the Mets traded outfielder Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers in return for second baseman Marcus Semien. The New York Post's Jon Heyman also reported the deal.
The Athletic's Will Sammon noted that Nimmo has approved the deal, waiving his no-trade clause.
Per Spotrac, the Mets had a projected payroll of $242.4 million and will take on Semien's $26 million for the 2026 campaign. Semien is entering the fifth year of a seven-year, $175 million contract.
The Rangers had a projected payroll of $172.9 million before the trade, according to Spotrac, and will add Nimmo's $20.5 million while dropping Semien's slightly more expensive contract. Nimmo is entering the fourth year of an eight-year, $162 million contract.
Semien is coming off a season in which he collected 15 home runs, 62 RBI and a .230 batting average in 127 games. He suffered a left foot fracture in August after taking a foul ball off his foot, and that injury forced him to miss the rest of the season.
At his best, Semien is a prolific hitter and a capable defender who has finished third in MVP voting three times. The Mets will hope to get that version of the 35-year-old after the trade.
After reaching the NLCS in 2024, New York finished 83-79 in 2025, missing the postseason. It was a disappointing season for the Mets, especially considering they added a star in Juan Soto over the offseason.
Semien should give them a boost, but the Mets still have some areas to address, with pitching being a focal point after struggles in that department.
Nimmo had a strong 2025 campaign, hitting a career-high 25 home runs and a career-high 92 RBI while batting .262. He'll look to continue that kind of offensive production in Texas.
Since their World Series victory in 2023, the Rangers have failed to make the postseason in back-to-back seasons. Texas clearly felt it was time to shake up the roster, and it will look to Nimmo to make an impact in 2026.
