Marcus Semien, the second baseman acquired from the Texas Rangers last November, spoke with Post columnist Steve Serby during Spring Training about his aspirations for the New York Mets. Semien emphasized his intent to forge an exceptional middle infield alongside shortstop Francisco Lindor. Their goal is to become the league’s best defensive duo by preventing numerous base hits and runs, ultimately helping the Mets to win every possible game. Semien praised Lindor’s fluidity at shortstop and his consistent clutch performances with the bat, acknowledging the challenge of excelling simultaneously on offense and defense from such a demanding position.
Memories with Former Teammates and Transitioning infield Roles
Reflecting on his past experiences, Semien recalled playing with Bo Bichette in Toronto during the 2021 season. Highlighting the thrill of sharing the field with Bichette at the 2023 All-Star Game, where they reunited despite representing different teams, Semien described the moment as reminiscent of old times. He also offered insights into Bichette’s move to third base, noting that the young athlete’s adaptability and strong arm are aiding his adjustment to the new position, where reaction time differs compared to shortstop.
Regarding younger talents, Semien spoke highly of skilled prospects Carson Benge, who impressed him with a powerful swing and solid hand-eye coordination, and Nolan McLean, whose diverse pitching arsenal and high velocity revealed his potential as a future star. Semien also shared his admiration for Freddy Peralta’s pitching, highlighting his deceptive windup and effective use of a fastball combined with a changeup and slider.
Views on Team Leadership and Championship Aspirations
Semien expressed respect for new Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, praising his leadership qualities and the confidence he instills in the squad. He emphasized the team’s belief in their collective ability to succeed. Semien’s experience as a recent World Series champion with the Rangers fuels his determination to win another title, acknowledging the difficulty of sustaining peak performance through the long season and postseason. He also stressed the vital role of clubhouse camaraderie, explaining how close relationships and understanding teammates’ backgrounds enhance on-field collaboration and motivation.
Juan Soto and the Offensive Dynamism of the Mets Lineup
When asked about Juan Soto as a teammate, Semien described him as an exceptionally hardworking superstar with the discipline and dedication to become a Hall of Famer. While noting that he no longer occupies the leadoff spot, which he enjoyed for the increased plate appearances, Semien is focused on contributing offensively wherever placed in the batting order. He anticipates the Mets’ lineup to be highly dynamic, featuring players who can both run and hit with power, capable of challenging opposing defenses consistently.
Semien acknowledged that while his defensive abilities remain a key contribution, he is equally intent on maximizing his offensive production to become a complete player. He recalled his 2021 season in Toronto, where he hit 45 home runs by capitalizing on fastballs high in the strike zone, underscoring the importance of adjusting to today’s prevalence of high-velocity pitching.
Adapting to Second Base and Defensive Excellence
Though Semien misses playing shortstop, he considers second base his current home, balanced between years at both positions. He continues to refine his understanding of angles, batted ball trajectories, and double-play mechanics specific to second base. Rather than focusing on specific players initially, Semien concentrated on daily hard work. He now admires contemporaries like Ketel Marte and Andrés Giménez for their smoothness at the position. Defensively, Semien describes himself as a grinder, committed to playing every day with intensity, exerting maximum effort regardless of circumstances.
The veteran shared that playing through injuries has been part of his journey, notably battling a fractured wrist in 2017 without initially realizing it. He stressed that being an “Iron Man” demands consistent conditioning physically and mentally, including maintaining mental calmness through support systems outside baseball.
Family Life and Roots Beyond Baseball
Off the field, Semien finds solace in his family, which includes five children and his wife Tarah, who is also his high school sweetheart. She was among the top volleyball players globally until a knee injury ended her career. Their shared journey through sports and parenthood remains a central part of Semien’s life. He described fatherhood as rewarding but filled with daily lessons and growth opportunities. The oldest child, Isaiah, is nine years old, followed by Joshua, Eli, Amelie, and the youngest, Capri, at just three months.
Semien’s upbringing in the Bay Area introduced him early to sports, nurtured by his grandmother Carol Phillips, a devoted fan of the Giants and Warriors who took him to games. He also mentioned memorable experiences like witnessing Barry Bonds’ 700th home run in person and expressed that growing up, he aspired to be a San Francisco Giant.
Challenges Overcome and Influential Figures in Semien’s Career
Semien recounted the difficulties of his initial full major league season in 2015 with the Oakland Athletics, grappling with defensive struggles while playing shortstop for a hometown team. He emphasized that dedicating himself to extra practice helped him rebuild confidence. An emotional low point early in his career came during tough outings with the Chicago White Sox that made him question his place at the major league level. This reflection highlighted the universal challenge young players face in adjusting to top-tier competition.
Supportive coaches played a pivotal role in Semien’s growth, including Ron Washington as infield coach, manager Bob Melvin, and hitting coach Darren Bush—all with Oakland. Among players, Jed Lowrie’s defense mentoring, along with observing emerging talents, helped Semien remain motivated. He credited Melvin as a father figure who believed in him through ups and downs, reinforcing his commitment as a teammate and player.
Semien also shared admiration for legendary figures such as Derek Jeter, whose style and background resonated with him, and special moments like interacting with Rickey Henderson while in Oakland.
Anticipation for Competing in New York and Cultural Interests
Looking ahead, Semien is eager to embrace the unique atmosphere of playing home games in New York, where fan energy is palpable. He compared his prior experience as a visiting player to the excitement he now anticipates. When asked about hypothetical dinner guests, Semien chose Martin Luther King Jr., Jackie Robinson, and Barack Obama, reflecting on their respective impacts.
He named his favorite movie as “Remember the Titans,” favorite actor as Denzel Washington, and cited Lil Wayne as his preferred entertainer. His favorite meal is steak.
Goals and Commitment for the Upcoming Season
Semien’s objectives for the season include competing in a World Series championship team, maintaining health throughout 162 games, delivering strong offensive and defensive performances, scoring 100 runs, and potentially securing a third Gold Glove award. He cherishes the milestone of accumulating ten years of service time in the major leagues and values the impact he has made on teammates over the course of his career.
Messages to Mets Supporters
Addressing Mets fans, Semien described himself as a devoted baseball player and dedicated family man who loves the game deeply. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play in front of passionate fans. About the Mets squad, he conveyed a collective hunger to reach the World Series and win a championship ring, a goal that drives the team continuously throughout the season.
