Marcus Semien Introduces Himself to New York

Marcus Semien met with the media on Tuesday for the first time since becoming a member of the Mets organization. Semien was traded to New York on Sunday in exchange for Brandon Nimmo.

Semien began his press conference by first thanking the Mets.

“Thank you to the Mets organization for welcoming me into their family,” he said. “I’m excited to join a ball club that has good players, great players, Hall-of-Famers, and young players who are hungry.” He noted the young pitching staff the Mets have and how the young players are hungry to improve and get better.

How He Found Out He Was Traded

Semien said on Friday when he was training, his agent Scott Boras, who also represents Nimmo called him and told him to keep his phone close because something between the Mets and Rangers was being tossed around and his name was involved. On Sunday, he got the official call that him and Nimmo would be trading places and he would be heading to New York.

When asked how he handled the situation and after four years with Texas and a father of five how he prepares his family for these moments, he explained how anything can happen in baseball and you always have to be prepared.

“In this business, anything can happen. Based on the talk with where the Rangers were and where the Mets were, I knew it was a possibility,” he said.

Though surprised, he reiterated his excitement to play in an organization like the Mets with a big market and fans who come out every day and cheer on their team. He said he’s always enjoyed playing in New York because of its culture. He also described his excitement for playing at Citi Field and noted how though he’s only played there a few times, he feels like he sees the ball well there.

Being a Leader in the Clubhouse

Nimmo was always a leader in the clubhouse and a fan favorite. He was asked by the media his thoughts about replacing him.

“I’ve always respected his game and how hard he plays,” said Semien. “He had a great career with the Mets,” he said. “I understand how much of a clubhouse presence and a fan favorite he was. I feel for the Mets players and fans; for me, he said, I want to get to know the fans, the community, and let my game do the talking. I want the players to know they can lean on me and I think I will be an impact in the clubhouse. I’m excited to join and learn from guys like (Francisco) Lindor and (Juan) Soto and fill-in in a way that does as well as Nimmo.”

Semien has always been described by Boras, his fellow teammates, and former coaches as being a winning player.

“That means someone who’s going to go out there every day and sacrifice themselves and put their body on the line for the team: scoring runs, producing runs, trying to keep the other team from scoring runs on defense, running the bases well, and doing a little something extra to get a win for your team each night.”

He also looks forward to bringing guys together in the clubhouse, because that’s something that’s important to him. He plans to do that by “leading by example.”

He’s Got Plenty Left in the Tank

Though he’s 35 years old, Semien said he still has a lot to offer.

“I take a ton of pride in keeping my body healthy and making sure my skills are on point. From third to second, the transition was easier in terms of making throws,” he noted and said winning the Gold Glove award was special as well.

At the plate, one thing he took away from his slump was taking things series by series and not swamping his brain with new cues every single day. He said once he adjusted to that style he went 4-for-4 at the plate in a game against the Cardinals and from there began to re-find himself at the plate before fracturing his foot.

But he’s excited to get back to work. He said he’s already had conversations with Jeff Albert and looks forward to working with Troy Snitker as well.

After winning the World Series in 2023 in Texas, he said he’s excited to join another winning organization in New York and help the Mets bring home a World Series trophy.

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