Marcus Semien’s Recent Performance Gains Attention
SEATTLE — Marcus Semien’s stats with runners in scoring position haven’t been his main concern, but rather how he’s been performing overall lately.
For the Mets, most of the veteran infielder’s at-bats this season have been in critical moments. However, in the past week, his performance has shown some improvement.
In the last seven games leading up to Monday night, Semien posted an impressive .954 OPS. As the Mets geared up to take on the Mariners at T-Mobile Park, he was a vital contributor to the team’s four-game winning streak.
“There have been a lot of ups and downs, but the work never stops,” Semien shared. “What I enjoy about this game is the chance to really put in the effort over eight months, honing my skills, and finding a rhythm where I can play well.”
Even with his recent uptick, Semien began the season with a disappointing OPS of .615. Some concerning underlying metrics include an average exit velocity of 86.1 miles per hour—placing him in the ninth percentile across MLB—and a bat speed averaging 100 km/h, also in the ninth percentile.
During a homestand against the Marlins, Semien shined, achieving five home runs in just ten at-bats over three games. Despite a lackluster showing against Miami last weekend, his success contributed to one of the Mets’ strongest offensive series this season, even if they only managed to score two points and were swept.
“I think we figured out what worked against us from that series in Miami,” Semien noted. “It’s always been fundamental in this league to adapt when the opposing team presents a challenge. They relied heavily on off-speed pitches even while maintaining speed. So, while you have to handle the velocity, placement is just as crucial. We chased too often. Perfection is elusive, but if we stick to our game plan, that was part of our discussions.”
Semien’s OPS with runners in scoring position was .830, highlighting a batting average of .354 from 48 at-bats in those critical situations.
Coach Carlos Mendoza commented on Semien’s approach, stating that when he’s successful, he is “short and quick to the ball.”
“He connects well with pitches and demonstrates better strike zone control,” Mendoza said. “We need his continued effort. It’s been a challenge for him, but he’s committed to improvement. It’s great to see him getting results.”
Although Juan Soto remains a key figure in the Mets’ lineup, contributions from players like Carson Benge, Mark Vientos, and Jared Young have also been significant during their winning streak.
Semien, a recipient of the Gold Glove Award while playing second base at the University of Texas last year, credits the team’s defensive growth, particularly with rookie A.J. Ewing and Benji as an outfielder, for their offensive revival.
“When balls are hit over my head, I prepare for a double or triple, but it’s great seeing our guys bring those down,” Semien reflected. “It fosters a strong sense for our pitchers, allowing them to trust their abilities. Their talent is immense, and experience is key to their continuous improvement.”
