Reports indicate that the New York Mets and Texas Rangers have reached an understanding on a transaction. This agreement would involve sending outfielder Brandon Nimmo along with an agreed-upon sum of money to Texas, while second baseman Marcus Semien would head to New York, as reported by ESPN. Financial aspects suggest the Mets will contribute around $5 million alongside Nimmo to balance the financial implications of the deal, according to the New York Post. Official announcements from either team are pending.
CBS Sports has analyzed the proposed exchange. The analysis focuses on the potential advantages for both organizations in acquiring players who, throughout their major league careers, have collectively contributed approximately 75 Wins Above Replacement.
Rationale for the Mets’ Perspective
David Stearns, the president of baseball operations for the New York team, had identified defensive improvements as a key objective for the offseason. Statistical data reveals that the Mets had the eighth-highest batting average on balls in play during the past season and held the 19th position in Statcast’s defensive run value metric. These figures suggest a defensive performance closer to the lower tier of the league, a point acknowledged by Stearns himself.
“It’s necessary for our existing players to elevate their defensive game,” he commented earlier in the month. “The level of baseball we displayed in the final two months of the season fell short of expectations.”
The acquisition of Semien while parting ways with Nimmo is expected to provide a boost to the team’s defensive capabilities. This is due to the placement of a superior defender at two crucial positions in the infield.
Semien, aged 35, is coming off a season where his offensive output was comparatively less impressive. He posted a batting line of .230/.305/.364, accompanied by 15 home runs. His OPS+ of 97 represented his lowest figure since 2020 and the lowest in a complete season since 2018. Despite this offensive dip, he still managed to accumulate at least 3 Wins Above Replacement for the seventh consecutive full season.
This resilience underscores Semien’s strong defensive abilities at second base. Over the past three seasons, he has averaged 11 defensive runs saved, making him a defensive upgrade over the current second baseman, Jeff McNeil, who has been the subject of trade discussions. It is expected that Semien will be the primary second baseman for the team in 2026 and subsequent years.
It’s important to note that Semien’s contract extends through the 2028 season. He is set to receive $26 million in both the upcoming season and the following year. Subsequently, he will earn $20 million in the final year of his contract. This translates to a remaining commitment of three seasons and $72 million.
The removal of Nimmo, whose defensive performance in the outfield has declined, should enable the Mets to accommodate better defensive players in those positions. Stearns has already indicated that prospect Carson Benge will be given the opportunity to compete for the starting center field role during spring training.
Alternatively, the Mets may explore the possibility of acquiring a skilled defensive outfielder through either a trade or free agency. Potential free-agent options include Cody Bellinger, former Met Harrison Bader, and Mike Yastrzemski.
|
2026 |
$26 million |
$20.25 million |
|
2027 |
$26 million |
$20.25 million |
|
2028 |
$20 million |
$20.25 million |
|
2029 |
— |
$20.25 million |
|
2030 |
— |
$20.25 million |
|
Total |
$72 million |
$101.25 million |
Rationale for the Rangers’ Perspective
From the Rangers’ standpoint, they are acquiring a player who is younger (by over two years), demonstrated superior offensive performance last season, and will have a $6 million lower salary in 2026. This is a significant consideration given Texas’s stated intention to reduce payroll. (Nimmo’s contract extends for two additional seasons, making him more costly overall, even when accounting for the $5 million contribution from New York.) The Rangers ranked 22nd in runs scored and 25th in adjusted offensive output during the 2025 season. Nimmo is expected to contribute to an improvement in these areas.
Nimmo, aged 32, recorded a batting average of .262, an on-base percentage of .324, and a slugging percentage of .436 in the past season, along with a career-high 25 home runs. He also stole more than a dozen bases for the second consecutive year. In each of the past five seasons, Nimmo has accumulated at least 2 Wins Above Replacement. Publicly available defensive metrics suggest his defensive ability is at or slightly below average, indicating a potential shift to corner-outfield positions.
The Rangers’ decision not to offer a contract to veteran outfielder Adolis García on Friday has created an opening in their outfield, alongside Evan Carter and Wyatt Langford. (Joc Pederson exercised his contract option and is expected to continue as the primary designated hitter.)
The departure of Semien opens the door for another player to assume the role at second base. The most likely candidate from within the organization is utility player Josh H. Smith. It’s worth noting that the Rangers also possess one of baseball’s most promising infield prospects in shortstop Sebastian Walcott, who is approaching readiness for the major leagues.
Nimmo’s contract extends through the 2030 season, with an annual salary of $20.25 million. This equates to a remaining commitment of five years and slightly over $101 million.
