7) NY Mets free agent target Marcus Semien
Marcus Semien had a monster year with the Toronto Blue Jays. He played all 162 games for them and led the league with 724 trips to the plate. During those plate appearances, Semien smashed 45 home runs, drove in 102, and slashed .265/.334/.538 playing mostly second base.
The Mets’ second base situation is one to watch closely. The return of Robinson Cano raises questions as does the future of Jeff McNeil.
Semien is more than just a guy to shove into second base and hope he hits. Also experienced at shortstop, he gives the Mets a little bit of flexibility around the infield. It wouldn’t shock me to see Semien even take on the third base job every so often if he was to sign with the blue and orange.
Something I think everyone will agree with is how badly the Mets need to bring in power this offseason. It was a weakness of the club in 2021, partly due to injury but also because their usual sluggers—other than Pete Alonso—underperformed.
I don’t think a 45 home run campaign is happening again for Semien, particularly if he plays half of his games at Citi Field. If the team was to get 30 from him and near-perfect attendance, I would declare it a win.