Rangers Spring Training Preview: Marcus Semien
InsidetheRangers.com previews every player on the Texas Rangers 40-man roster heading into Spring Training in Surprise, Arizona.
2B Marcus Semien
In 2022: Semien didn’t hit a home run until late May and his batting average hovered around .200 until then-manager Chris Woodward moved him to the leadoff spot. That move seemed to spark Semien’s bat. For the next four months, Semien continued to build momentum. By the end of the season, not only did Semien’s overall numbers look respectable, he became the second player in 2022 to have 25 home runs and 25 stolen bases this season (joining Adolis Garcia). He played a high-quality second base all season and was named a Gold Glove finalist at the position.
Semien batted .248/.304/.429/.733 with 101 runs, 31 doubles, five triples, 26 home runs and 83 RBI. He walked 53 times and struck out 120 times. He stole 25 bases and was caught stealing eight times.
Contract Status: Semien will enter the second year of a seven-year, $175 million deal in 2023. He will be 32 years old and will be paid $26 million.
In Surprise: Semien will be the starting second baseman, so there is no drama there. He and the Rangers hope that he’ll avoid the awful start that defined his first two months of 2022. Like Seager, he’ll benefit from the elimination of the shift. He’s also well-prepared as a fielder to handle the shift ban, as he’ll have more players to make to his left this season. The only question is whether Semien will hit leadoff or move down in the order? Woodward’s move of Semien to first was, frankly, one of his best moves of the season. It jump-started Semien. But is he the long-term solution up top?
2023 Texas Rangers 40-Man Spring Training Previews:
Joe Barlow | John King | Dane Dunning | Brett Martin | Jake Odorizzi | Yerry Rodriguez | Owen White | Cole Ragans | Andrew Heaney | Glenn Otto | Josh Sborz | Ricky Vanasco | Cole Winn | Nathan Eovaldi | Jon Gray | Jonathan Hernández | Spencer Howard | José Leclerc | Martín Pérez | Brock Burke | Jacob deGrom | Taylor Hearn | Jonah Heim | Sam Huff | Luisangel Acuña | Ezequiel Duran | Josh Jung | Bubba Thompson | Nathaniel Lowe | Jonathan Ornelas | Corey Seager |
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