The Texas Rangers have a rich history of featuring superstars in their lineup. From Nolan Ryan to Adrian Beltre and Corey Seager, the franchise has seen some of the greatest players in baseball, all of whom have made Arlington their home at various points in their careers.
While most of the attention currently focuses on Seager, Adolis Garcia, and Jacob deGrom, there’s another key player who contributes something unique: reliability and consistency. Marcus Semien, a seasoned MLB veteran with 12 years in the league, joined the Rangers before the 2022 season after playing nearly a decade with the Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics, and Toronto Blue Jays. Before arriving in Texas, Semien was primarily recognized for his defensive skills, holding down the shortstop position.
It wasn’t until his seventh season that he achieved an OPS+ greater than 100. Since the start of 2018, Semien has emerged as one of the most durable players in the game, participating in 1,018 out of a possible 1,032 games, with a batting line of .259/.329/.454, including 178 home runs and a 115 OPS+. His late-career offensive boost has elevated his ranking among second basemen, with the latest MLB Network’s “The Shredder” placing him as the third-best at his position today.
While Seager, Garcia, and deGrom attract headlines, Seager has only played in 393 games out of 486 with the Rangers, Garcia’s performance at the plate has been inconsistent, and deGrom has spent a significant portion of his career sidelined due to injury. In contrast, Semien has been a cornerstone of both the Rangers’ offense and defense, boasting a 111 OPS+ and 38 Defensive Runs Saved since 2022, all while participating in nearly every game.
Every team needs a quiet leader, and for the Rangers, that role is filled by the dependable Marcus Semien.
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