Mets, Rangers agree to trade involving Brandon Nimmo and Marcus Semien: Sources

The New York Mets agreed Sunday to trade outfielder Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers for second baseman Marcus Semien, a move that would exchange inflated contracts and shake up both rosters.

The deal, according to people briefed on the conversations, was contingent on Nimmo waiving his no-trade clause. Major League Baseball still must approve the transaction because it involves an exchange of more than $1 million going to the Rangers, but that is expected to be a formality.

Nimmo, 32, is due $102.5 million over the next five seasons. Semien, 35, is due $72 million over the next three. When the terms are finalized, the Rangers will save money over the next two years, during which Semien’s annual salaries will be $26 million and Nimmo’s will be $20.5 million. Their salaries are comparable in 2028, and after that Semien’s deal is off the books.

At least last season, Nimmo was the more productive offensive player, batting .262 with 25 home runs and a .760 OPS. Semien batted .230 with 15 homers and a career-low .669 OPS. But the trade was driven in part by the Rangers’ desire to change their chemistry and the Mets’ goal of improving their run prevention.

Semien rated well enough at second base in the leading defensive metrics to win a Gold Glove in 2025, and Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has spoken since the end of the season about improving his team’s defense. Nimmo has regressed in recent seasons and is no longer considered a plus defender in left.

The Athletic’s Will Sammon contributed to this story.