Infielder Marcus Semien is a finalist for the 2021 American League MVP for the second time in three seasons. That’s a result of his monster season at the plate for the Toronto Blue Jays.
- Marcus Semien stats (2021): .265/.334/.538, 45 home runs and 102 RBIs across 652 at-bats
Playing on a one-year, $18 million deal, Semien was Toronto’s primary second baseman and a vital aspect of the team’s offensive attack. Semien is one of the best hitters and overall players on the MLB free-agent market this offseason and can be someone who puts a contending team over the top.
Here are three ideal free agent destinations for Marcus Semien.
3. Marcus Semien to the Chicago White Sox
The White Sox already have a high-octane offense, but that same lively unit was suffocated by the Houston Astros in the AL Divisional Round. Being a team that’s trying to win the World Series, Semien would fill a void and further weaponize Chicago’s offense.
Midway through the 2021 regular season, Nick Madrigal was hitting .305 and holding down the fort at second base. Then a hamstring injury ended his season. From there on out, the White Sox were a second base unit by committee. Semien would be their permanent answer at the middle infield position.
He gives manager Tony La Russa another impact bat who launches home runs and extra-base hits on the whole thanks to a smooth swing. He also brings defensive versatility to the table; Semien has now extensively played second base and shortstop. Semien posted 11 DRS at second in what was his first full season at the position.
Concerning the offense, it would be an embarrassment of riches for the White Sox. A lineup that includes Semien, Jose Abreu, Tim Anderson, Eloy Jimenez, Yoan Moncada, Luis Robert and Yasmani Grandal is beyond formidable and intimidating for pitching staffs.
This is a well-rounded ballclub, but their back-to-back first-round playoff exits could be used as an excuse to pony up the dough for Semien. With all that said, the White Sox may prefer to focus on re-signing left-hander Carlos Rodon while adding more depth on the pitching front. They can also pitch that their offense had a mere bad week at the plate in reference to the playoffs.
2. Marcus Semien to the Seattle Mariners
The once thought-to-be-rebuilding Mariners pulled off an impressive 90-win season that nearly got them to the playoffs. Now it’s about getting proven commodities around their budding youngsters, and Semien would be a tremendous fit in their depth chart.
All in all, Seattle got by with one of the worst offenses in the sport last season. Semien would be an offensive mainstay for their operation. He gives manager Scott Servais someone who hits for power, moves runners across the basepaths and can work the count.
The Mariners would have a plausible infield core to build through with Semien present. First baseman Ty France is coming off an encouraging season at the plate. J.P. Crawford has become a sturdy, everyday shortstop. Abraham Toro flaunted some offensive potential down the stretch. Semien playing second base could move Toro to third. At the same time, maybe the Mariners find a way to retain third baseman Kyle Seager, putting Toro into a fifth infielder/designated hitter role?
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Seattle needs some of their former top prospect outfielders to show signs of life in 2022, as well as their starting rotation’s 2021 success to be the foundation of what’s to come, rather than a mere solid run. Concurrently, the Mariners need to make big-time moves on the open market to complement the positive elements of their ballclub.
Even if Semien doesn’t replicate his 2021 heroics, he improves the Mariners both offensively and defensively while also bringing playoff experience to the table, which is something the Mariners’ roster has very little of.
At the end of the day, though, the Mariners may opt to spend their money on a handful of $10 million salaries, so to speak, rather than dumping it all on one or two enormous contracts.
1. Marcus Semien back to the Toronto Blue Jays
The grass isn’t always greener on the other side; Marcus Semien and the Toronto Blue Jays are great for each other.
Semien played an integral role in Toronto finally putting their potential into the standings. He was superb at second and part of an elite Blue Jays’ offense that includes Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, Teoscar Hernandez, George Springer and others. Meanwhile, the bulk of these individuals field their positions at a high level.
The Blue Jays are vying to outright make the playoffs. From a talent standpoint, they have a World Series-caliber roster. Their offense is legit, and starting pitching has drastically improved with the additions of Hyun-Jin Ryu, Robbie Ray and Jose Berrios over the last two years.
The way the Blue Jays are going to get over the hump is by sticking with their core, as well as the veterans who have enhanced the play of those around them. That means focusing on re-signing Semien and Ray, who’s a finalist for the AL Cy Young Award.
From Semien’s perspective, the Blue Jays gave him the chance to prove himself after a rough 2020 campaign and he became an essential part of their operation. It’s a franchise that needs to execute in the final weeks of the season. All the talent and pieces needed to win a championship are present. It’s a matter of keeping everyone together.
Marcus Semien could be part of something special with the Blue Jays. It’s in the best interest of both parties to seek a reunion.