Mets Concerned About Aging Veteran Marcus Semien's Slow Start

The 35-year-old second baseman is off to a rough 2-for-22 opening at the plate.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:40am

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting the deconstructed elements of a baseball player's batting stance and swing, rendered in muted earth tones to conceptually illustrate the mechanical and physical challenges facing an aging veteran player.An analytical cubist illustration captures the mechanical complexities of an aging baseball player's swing, hinting at the challenges the Mets face in reviving Marcus Semien's once-formidable offensive production.NYC Today

The New York Mets were hoping veteran second baseman Marcus Semien would provide a steady presence in the lineup after acquiring him in an offseason trade. However, Semien has struggled mightily to begin the 2026 season, going just 2-for-22 at the plate. Both of his hits have come in unusual fashion, leading to concerns that the 35-year-old's skills may be in decline.

Why it matters

The Mets made Semien a key offseason addition to fill a hole at second base, but his early struggles could force the team to rethink their plans and potentially give more playing time to backup Jorge Polanco if Semien's slump continues. Semien's declining production over the past few seasons also raises questions about whether the Mets made the right move in trading for the aging veteran.

The details

Semien's two hits so far this season have come in unusual fashion - one was a fly ball that Oneil Cruz lost in the sun, while the other was an infield single that bounced off the pitcher's glove. Semien's batting average has dropped in each of the past two seasons, going from .230 with a .669 OPS in 2025 to just .205 this spring training.

  • The 2026 MLB season began on April 1st.
  • Semien is 2-for-22 to start the season as of April 3rd.

The players

Marcus Semien

A 35-year-old veteran second baseman who the Mets acquired in an offseason trade, hoping he would provide a steady presence in the lineup. However, Semien has struggled mightily to begin the 2026 season.

Jorge Polanco

The Mets' backup second baseman who could see more playing time if Semien's struggles continue.

Oneil Cruz

The Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder who lost a fly ball in the sun that resulted in one of Semien's two hits so far this season.

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What’s next

The Mets will continue to monitor Semien's performance, and may need to give more playing time to backup Jorge Polanco if Semien's struggles persist.

The takeaway

The Mets' offseason acquisition of veteran second baseman Marcus Semien is off to a concerning start, as the 35-year-old has struggled mightily at the plate to begin the 2026 season. The Mets will need to evaluate whether Semien still has enough left in the tank to be an everyday player, or if they need to turn more to backup Jorge Polanco to fill the position.