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.