The New York Mets could be preparing for a surprising decision involving one of the biggest contracts on their roster.
With the Mets enduring a disappointing 2026 season and already looking toward a significant offseason reset, questions are beginning to surround veteran infielder Marcus Semien and his future in Queens. The Mets entered Saturday with a 64-77 record and are expected to miss the postseason, creating pressure for the organization to make significant changes.
Semien arrived in New York in a blockbuster one-for-one trade with the Texas Rangers that sent Brandon Nimmo to Texas. The Mets expected the three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger winner to provide veteran leadership and additional power at second base.
Instead, his first season with the club has been a difficult one.
Semien is currently hitting just .216 with 14 home runs and 44 RBIs, numbers that have naturally fueled questions about whether the Mets should continue relying on him as an everyday player.
But despite the struggles, New York may not be ready to simply move on.
According to SNY insider Chelsea Janes, the Mets are more likely to bring Semien into spring training with an opportunity to compete for the starting second-base job rather than immediately cutting ties with the veteran.
That approach makes financial sense.
Semien remains under contract, with the Mets reportedly owing him $26 million in 2027 and another $20 million in 2028. Rather than simply eating that money, New York could attempt to find a productive role for him while also evaluating its younger options.
Prospects such as Jefferson Rojas, Mitch Voit and Emilien Pitre could also enter the competition for playing time, potentially creating an interesting battle at second base during spring training.
The Mets could even experiment with a platoon or reduced role if one of their younger players proves capable of taking the position.
A $175 Million Problem?
Semien is currently in the fifth year of his seven-year, $175 million contract, meaning the Mets have substantial money invested in a player who hasn’t produced at the level they expected.
However, completely abandoning the veteran may not be the smartest move.
Semien brings years of experience, has played multiple infield positions and has been part of successful teams. Those qualities could make him valuable even if he eventually loses his starting role.
If the Mets determine that one of their younger players deserves everyday playing time, Semien could potentially transition into a bench role while providing veteran leadership and defensive versatility.
There is even a possibility that New York eventually buys out his remaining contract, although that does not appear to be the preferred outcome at this stage.
Mets Face Major Offseason Decisions
The Semien situation is just one piece of what could become a major offseason for the Mets.
After falling well short of expectations in 2026, the organization will have to determine which veterans remain part of its long-term plans and which spots should be handed to younger players.
For Semien, the message appears to be simple: his future with the Mets isn’t necessarily over, but his role could be changing.
Spring training could ultimately determine whether the $175 million veteran remains an everyday player, shares time with a younger option or becomes a valuable piece off the bench.
Either way, the Mets appear to be taking a more measured approach rather than immediately cutting ties with their expensive veteran.
And with two more guaranteed seasons remaining on his contract, New York will have plenty of reasons to see if Semien can rediscover the form that made him one of baseball’s most accomplished infielders.
