MLB Rumors: Marcus Semien Targeted as Teams Prepare for 2021's 'Shortstopalooza'

Free-agent shortstop Marcus Semien could be in high demand this offseason as a cheaper alternative at the position compared to next year's class, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.

The 2021-22 class is a "shortstopalooza," as Passan calls it, with Javier Baez, Carlos Correa, Francisco Lindor, Corey Seager and Trevor Story all potentially hitting the open market. Teams in need at the position would likely have to pay a heavy price to land one of the big names.

Semien, 30, could give an organization a reliable player this season without breaking the bank.

The veteran's age would likely limit the length of a new deal, especially compared to the younger players in next year's class, while the struggles in 2020 could lower the overall value.

Semien finished last season hitting just .223 with seven home runs in 53 games for the Oakland Athletics.

Despite the question marks, this signing could represent excellent value if he can replicate his past production.

Semien set career highs in 2019 with a .285 batting average, .892 OPS, 33 home runs and 92 RBI. He also played above-average defense at a key position, tallying 12 defensive runs saved in 2019, per Fangraphs.

His 8.9 wins above replacement ranked third in the majors, per Baseball Reference. It was enough to finish third in voting for AL MVP behind only Mike Trout and Alex Bregman.

A team could get a steal in free agency if Semien is able to return to this level in 2021 and beyond.

The Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, Philadelphia Phillies, Houston Astros, Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Angels, Texas Rangers and Detroit Tigers are all teams that could be in the market for a shortstop.