The Texas Rangers signed Marcus Semien to a seven-year, $175 million contract before the 2022 season. Since then, the second baseman has been named an All-Star twice, was a finalist for the 2023 AL MVP award, and helped the Rangers capture the first World Series title in franchise history.
This season has not been the same, however.
Entering Wednesday, Semien is batting .178 with two home runs on the campaign. Struggling through April happens in baseball, and Semien has the tools to get right back into the groove that earned him the big contract. The problem arises if he can’t right the ship and get back to the form that landed him consecutive All-Star appearances.
If he does not get it right soon, the Rangers, who have been competitive of late, will be forced to look elsewhere to gain offense from the second base position. Semien’s contract would be hard to move, and the organization likely does not want to waste $25 million this season on a bench player, but it may not have a choice.
Kyle Farmer is hitting .250 entering Wednesday for the abysmal Colorado Rockies and is on a cheap contract that wouldn’t handcuff the Rangers’ payroll. Farmer has not flashed the power Semien has, topping out at 16 home runs as his career high.
Farmer would be a perfect short-term fix for the Rangers if the issues at the plate persist, though.
Texas likely will not act upon the problem now, but if Semien is still lost come June, the Rangers will be looking for a partner to bring a fresh face to Arlington, Texas.
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