NY Mets: 3 Javier Baez alternatives to throw a lot of money at this winter

Marcus Semien

One of the big surprises this season in my opinion was Marcus Semien. He had a great 2019 in which he finished top three in the American League MVP voting but took a huge step back in the shortened 2020 season. However, Semien proved that down year was a fluke with a monster 2021.

Semien slashed .265/.334/.538 with 45 home runs and 102 RBI this season. He put up one of the greatest offensive seasons ever by a second baseman. The 31-year-old signed a one-year deal with Toronto to bet on himself and boy did he prove himself right. Semien will get a ton in the open market.

Not only is his bat elite, but Semien was also in the 89th percentile in outs above average according to baseball savant.

Would I rather Semien over Baez long-term? That’s hard to say. I think Semien is the better player right now, but he is 31 years old. How long will he be able to put up these productive numbers? I have more confidence that Baez can put up great numbers for a longer time considering he is three years younger.

If Semien is willing to sign a deal as a second baseman it’d be foolish for the Mets to not consider him. He may not hit 45 home runs while playing 81 games a year at Citi Field, but he has hit over 30 while playing 81 games in Oakland.

The best ability is availability. This Mets team has been destroyed with injuries for years and Semien is an iron man. He has played in all 162 games in each of the last two seasons that 162 games were played. If they can get Semien on a four-year deal I’d be all over that.