MLB free agency: Three likely landing spots for Marcus Semien
Marcus Semien won’t be getting a massive payday this winter, but he could be a valuable pickup for a few different teams.
Marcus Semien may be the one free agent who is the hardest to figure out this offseason.
Semien’s agent, at least at one point this winter, believed his client was worthy of a $100 million contract in an offseason lacking in superstar potential at the shortstop position. But Semien is coming off a down year in 2020 and that sort of money likely isn’t coming his way over the next few weeks.
Teams like the Boston Red Sox are also reportedly interested in signing Marcus Semien, but to play second base or third base in 2021. His versatility will help his market value, but how much will his 2020 numbers impact a potential contract?
Semien had a monster season in 2019, hitting 33 home runs with 43 doubles, a 137 wRC+, and a career-best 11.6% walk rate with a near-equal13.7% strikeout rate. He was worth 7.6 Wins Above Replacement and appeared poised to take his game to the next level with the Oakland A’s.
But as bad as some of Semien’s final 2020 numbers look, a shortened season played a role. After posting a .577 OPS and a 59 wRC+ in the month of July, Semien improved in each of the final two months of the regular season.
He recorded a .686 OPS and wRC+ of 90 in August and a .707 OPS/104 wRC+ during the final month of the year. These aren’t exactly the types of numbers Semien posted in 2019, but there was a notable improvement as the season progressed.
There could be a team out there willing to offer Marcus Semien a sizeable contract, but with a shortstop-heavy free agent class coming in 2021, it’s more likely that Semien will have to prove himself again in 2021.
Here are three likely destinations for the 30-year-old former MVP finalist.
Marcus Semien would provide plenty of roster flexibility for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers could have a prime opportunity to land a really good player at an affordable rate this winter as they attempt to keep the surging San Diego Padres behind them in the NL West.
For now, Justin Turner is a free agent and there are some holes in the Dodgers infield, with shortstop Corey Seager entering free agency after the 2021 season as well. Even if Turner returns next season, Semien can play multiple infield positions and fill in as needed in 2021 and provide insurance in case a long-term deal can’t be reached with Seager and he walks.
Should Semien rebound well next season, the Dodgers would then have plenty of trade pieces to dangle out at the deadline to fill any gaps that arise as next season progresses. Perhaps that would be Semien, who likely won’t bring much team control but would be on a team-friendly deal, or Lux, a former top prospect with the potential to be an everyday regular at shortstop in the major leagues.
Signing Marcus Semien seems as if it would be a very Dodgers move to make. They continue to stack their offense while also providing insurance and roster flexibility to put themselves in a position to make subsequent moves down the road to help put them back in next year’s World Series.
Seems like a tough decision to pass on someone who finished 3rd in MVP voting just one year ago, especially as his price tag likely comes at a very team-friendly number.
The Cincinnati Reds need a shortstop and could be a landing spot for Marcus Semien.
It’s difficult to get a good grasp on how exactly the Cincinnati Reds plan on addressing their roster needs ahead of the 2021 season, but they certainly need a shortstop and Marcus Semien on a one-year deal makes sense here.
Trevor Bauer is gone, Sonny Gray and even Luis Castillo are on the trade block, but the NL Central is a wide-open division next season and despite last year’s failed attempt to go for it all and current financial restraints, the Reds are still in a position to make a few smart moves to keep in the mix for a divisional title in 2021.
With Chicago dealing away their ace and Cy Young contender in Yu Darvish as part of a salary dump and now currently shopping Willson Contreras, the Pirates beginning an extreme tank job, and the Brewers not expecting to be very active this winter, the Reds can realistically compete next season with only the St. Louis Cardinals appearing to be somewhat eager to improve their roster.
Jose Garcia is probably the shortstop of the future for the Reds, but a little more seasoning in the minor leagues next year wouldn’t hurt the 22-year-old who made the jump from High-A to the big leagues in 2020.
Andrelton Simmons could be another cheaper route for the Reds to take, but the upside that Marcus Semien brings to the table could provide a few different benefits to Cincinnati.
If the Philadelphia Phillies can’t bring back Didi Gregorius, Marcus Semien would be a fit.
Just a few weeks ago, it appeared as if the Philadelphia Phillies were heading towards a brutal offseason and a rough 2021. But with Dave Dombrowski now in place as Philadelphia’s new general manager and a resurgence of talks about a possible reunion with catcher J.T. Realmuto, the Phillies just might be looking to turn things around, become a bit more aggressive, and compete in 2021.
Didi Gregorius is gone after a solid rebound campaign last season, leaving the Phillies with a hole in the middle of their infield and Marcus Semien available for the taking.
Semien isn’t the greatest defender at shortstop, which could cause the Phillies to be a bit hesitant here as a defensive upgrade in the infield is needed, but his potential offensive output at his price tag is attractive.
Bringing in Semien also allows Philadelphia to remain flexible elsewhere across the diamond. Jean Segura can be moved back over to second base and Scott Kingery could then be used as a utility piece, hoping he rebounds at the plate and hits more like 2019 Scott Kingery versus the 2020 version.
Next. Three possible landing spots for Wilson Contreras. dark
Ideally, the Phillies would bring Didi Gregorius back, but if they happen to be priced out of his market, landing Marcus Semien would be a solid backup plan.