Mets Trade Brandon Nimmo to rangers for Marcus Semien in Surprise deal
NEW YORK – In a stunning move ahead of the 2025 season, the New York Mets have traded outfielder Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers in exchange for second baseman Marcus Semien, the teams announced today. The deal substantially alters the Mets’ outfield composition and brings a veteran presence to their infield.
The trade comes as a surprise, given Nimmo’s consistent performance with the Mets and his status as a key offensive contributor. However, the Mets, under new leadership, appear to be prioritizing infield stability and offensive production at that position. Semien, a proven power hitter and Gold Glove-caliber defender, addresses those needs. The move also creates a void in the mets’ outfield, signaling a likely pursuit of another external option.
Nimmo, 32, was a first-round pick by the Mets in 2011 and had become a fan favorite during his tenure in Queens. He tied the Mets’ franchise record with a nine-RBI game in 2023 and has hit 20 or more home runs in each of his last three seasons. He dealt with plantar fasciitis in his left foot during the 2024 playoffs, an issue that lingered into the start of spring training.
Semien, meanwhile, provides immediate impact for the Mets.He is known for his consistent offensive output and defensive reliability. The Rangers acquired Semien prior to the 2021 season, and he quickly became a cornerstone of their lineup.
The Mets face further roster decisions this offseason,including potential departures of closer Edwin Diaz and first baseman Pete Alonso in free agency. addressing a rotation and bullpen that underperformed late in the 2024 season remains a priority for General Manager Billy Stearns. The Nimmo trade adds another layer of complexity to those plans, necessitating a search for an outfielder to fill the gap left by Nimmo’s departure.