PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 11: Jeff McNeil #1 of the New York Mets looks on from the dugout during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on June 11, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
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The New York Mets made arguably the biggest move of the offseason so far when they agreed to exchange long-time outfielder Brandon Nimmo in a trade with the Texas Rangers.
In return, the Mets are set to receive three-time All-Star infielder Marcus Semien, who will bolster the infield and the team’s defense while appearing to mark a downgrade on offense.
“At least last season, Nimmo was the more productive offensive player, batting .262 with 25 home runs and a .760 OPS. Semien batted .230 with 15 homers and a career-low .669 OPS,” Ken Rosenthal reported for The Athletic. “However, Semien rated well enough defensively at second base to win a Gold Glove in 2025 and Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns wants to improve the team’s run prevention. Nimmo has regressed in recent seasons and is no longer a plus defender in left.”
Aside from the shifting emphasis from offensive to defense, the transaction raises some significant questions about what additional moves could be ahead. For one thing, it makes a reunion with homegrown slugger Pete Alonso all the more important, so that the Mets can continue to post runs in Nimmo’s absence.
It also seems to solidify the fate of Jeff McNeil, who will no longer be needed at second base with the addition of Nimmo. The New York Post’s Jon Heyman, who previously reported that the Mets were fielding offers for McNeil this winter, has indicated that the expectation is for McNeil to be traded now that the Mets have acquired Semien.
“Semien, obviously, right-handed and an outstanding defender, won his second Gold Glove last year at second base for Texas,” Heyman said during an appearance on MLB Network. “You would think now that Jeff McNeil, certainly on the trading block, will go.”
In addition to the redundancy at the keystone, McNeil now seems on the way out thanks to his salary. While Semien is owed $26 million next season as part of the seven-year, $175 million deal he signed with the Rangers, McNeil is owed $15.7 million next season in the final year of his deal. Shedding McNeil’s salary would go a long way in affording Semien while also creating some flexibility to replace Nimmo’s offense.
After the Mets subtracted some offense to bring in better infield defense through this surprise transaction, it’s likely the team will be looking to follow up with some additional moves soon.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/peterchawaga/2025/11/23/mets-expected-to-cut-ties-with-jeff-mcneil-after-adding-175m-3-time-all-star/
