LAS VEGAS — Marcus Semien is poised to play a significant role at second base for the New York Mets next season, with president of baseball operations David Stearns expressing confidence in the player's ability to rebound from a difficult first year.
"This is an extremely motivated player," Stearns said at the general managers meetings. "This is someone who works as hard as anyone, who believes in his own ability, and who I know is going to get everything out of what he has."
Semien, 36, posted a .620 OPS last season and struggled defensively, recording minus-9 outs above average, according to Statcast. He has two years and $46 million remaining on his contract.
"[Semien] didn’t have the type of year that he wanted to last year. He didn’t have the type of year we believe he’s capable of," Stearns added. "We also think we have got a lot of options, both guys who played in the big leagues last year for us and guys who are knocking on the door of the big leagues that we feel good about that position."
While Brett Baty remains an option at second base, the Mets also have prospects such as Jefferson Rojas, Émilien Pitre, and Mitch Voit who could be ready to contribute at some point next season.
In other team news, Stearns confirmed that Bo Bichette will remain at third base. Bichette opted into his contract, which guarantees him $42 million for next season. "I was happy about it," Stearns said of Bichette's decision. "We expect Bo to have a really good year next year. We saw what he’s capable of doing over the last three or four months of the season, and I think he is excited to come back."
Stearns declined to name a specific prospect who is projected to have a significant role next season, unlike last year when Carson Benge was discussed as a potential starter. "That could change by the time we get to spring training or Opening Day," Stearns stated. "But sitting here right now there’s not a name that I am going to put out there like that."