The Texas Rangers made a big first splash of the offseason Sunday evening.
They added another ripple less than an hour later.
The Rangers reached an agreement on a multi-year deal with middle infielder Marcus Semien, a source told The Dallas Morning News. Soon after the news broke, Kole Calhoun and the Rangers entered into an agreement, a source confirmed.
The Semien deal is worth $175 million, according to a report from ESPN’s Jeff Passan, who first reported the agreement. The Calhoun agreement was first reported by The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.
I am hearing that Semien is willing to continue at 2B if Rangers sign another SS. As you know, they’ve met with Trevor Story and that might be the best financial fit at this moment. https://t.co/n6i3tv5t8L
— Evan Grant (@Evan_P_Grant) November 28, 2021
Semien, a nine-year MLB veteran, played last season with the Toronto Blue Jays. For his career, he has a .256 batting average, 160 home runs and 81 stolen bases.
While the other big names discussed are exclusively shortstops, Semien has converted to second base. He could remain there and the Rangers could choose to do the same with Isiah Kiner-Falafa if they choose, but either way he gives the club more options.
Mostly, he brings a powerful bat to hit lead off or second. His OPS-plus was better than Carlos Correa’s in 2021 and his OPS-plus in the last two full seasons are better than Trevor Story has managed in any year with the Colorado Rockies.
The Diamondbacks declined the option on Calhoun’s contract earlier this offseason, making the 34-year-old a free agent. Calhoun is a plus outfielder but a career .248 hitter.
The Rangers are expected to be very active this offseason, so Sunday is just the beginning. Stay tuned.
just got done getting lunch with Marcus, let’s just say, @Rangers y’all are gonna love him forreal 💯 definition of a baller 🙌🏾
— June Calhoun (@11WillieCalhoun) November 28, 2021
Read a quick bio on Semien below.
Marcus Semien
Age: 31
Measureables: 6-0, 195
Last year: Played second base for the Toronto Blue Jays, just missing the playoffs.
The Skinny: Semien had the second best offensive WAR in the American League behind Toronto teammate Vlad Guerrero Jr. After being a pedestrian shortstop to start out in Oakland, he improved his glove work dramatically (Ron Washington helped in his early days there) and won a Gold Glove at second base in 2021. But his power is where it’s at. Semien hit 45 home runs, drove in 102, stole 15 bases, and ranked third in the AL in runs scored (again behind teammates Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette) with 115.
More to come on this developing story.
Find more Rangers coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.
Read More: Marcus Semien, Rangers agree to deal; Kole Calhoun also joining Texas