The Athletic reported on November 23 that the New York Mets reached an agreement to send outfielder Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers in exchange for second baseman Marcus Semien.
Moreover, the report claims that the move hinged on Nimmo agreeing to waive his no-trade clause, which he ultimately approved. MLB still needs to authorize the deal because it includes more than $1 million going to the Rangers, though that step is expected to be routine.
Jon Heyman of the New York Post appeared on MLB Network to share his thoughts on the trade.
“I’m sure Mets fans are disappointed,” Heymand said on November 23. “They love Brandon Nimmo, love throughout the organization, but there probably is no room for emotion after the season in which the Mets had, winning 83 games, failing to beat out the small market, Cincinnati Reds, for that final playoff spot.
“The Mets felt they needed to improve their defense and get more right-handed, and they did both those things with this trade. Semien, obviously right-handed and an outstanding defender, won his second gold glove last year at second base for Texas.”
What Type of Players Are the Mets and Rangers Getting?
Both players will bring a new look to their team’s infield for next season. For the Rangers, Nimmo was the stronger offensive contributor last season, batting .262 with 25 home runs and a .760 OPS. Semien, by contrast, hit .230 with 15 homers and posted a career-low .669 OPS. Beyond the numbers, the trade reflected the Rangers’ aim to shift team chemistry and the Mets’ goal of improving run prevention.
Defensively, Semien performed well enough at second base to earn a Gold Glove in 2025. Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has emphasized boosting the team’s defense since the season ended. Nimmo, however, has seen his skills in left field decline and is no longer considered a plus defender.
What’s Next for the Mets This Offseason?
With a new infielder appearing to be in the fold, Heyman speculated what the next moves would be that the Mets need to make to ensure that the 2026 MLB season isn’t a disaster like the 2025 campaign.
“Certainly, they are trying to sign Pete Alonso back,” Heyman added. “That is almost a necessity now, as is re-signing Edwin Diaz. This is a good first step for the Mets to become more right-handed. Now you wonder, they probably do need another outfielder, right? Because they were empty in center field last year.
“Tyrone Taylor [is] outstanding defensively, but he is a backup, so they’ll need to add a center fielder as well at this point… I think the Mets need to re-sign Diaz and Alonso. That’s 1 and 1A. I don’t know how to put it on top there, but that’s certainly the case. They need to improve their relief.
“They need to figure out, assuming Alonso’s back, and that’s a big assumption because there’s interest in Boston, Baltimore, and many others certainly need another outfielder or two at this point. Looking at defense, could they bring back Harrison Bader?”
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