Recently I volunteered that the Mets truly need to consider the value of NOT making Marcus Semien the starting 2nd baseman for the 2027 and 2028 seasons. Apparently the suggestion to relegate him to either the bench or a contract buyout did not resonate well with many of you. While it is doubtful that the Mets will admit the roster mistake and bad investment, it still suggests an analysis is needed over who could possibly substitute for the former Texas Ranger keystone specialist.
Brett Baty has his supporters and his detractors who either feel he’s just shy of turning the corner before becoming a productive major league hitter versus admitting he’s not panned out as expected and it is time to move on from this bad first round draft pick. The truth is likely closer to the latter evaluation than the former, but he does have an option still available so major league playing time isn’t his only possible destination.
A.J. Ewing endeared himself to the Mets fans with his energetic play and his lightning speed. He’s established himself as a center fielder particularly after the dismissal of another David Stearns mistake in Luis Robert. Ewing can play second base if a center field option evolves to take Ewing’s spot out there (such as Nick Morabito). He has 56 games of total minor and major league experience there.
Ronny Mauricio has had health issues affect his major league opportunity for playing time. He has showed decent defense at times and a combination of power at the plate as well as speed in his legs. In 2026 he’s been primarily at Syracuse The now 25 year old Mauricio has over 100 games logged at second base including 30 in the majors. He is hitting .269 with 18 HRs and 52 RBIs in just 252 ABs. Throw in the dozen stolen bases and it would seem he has multiple weapons given playing time.
Though hired to be a first baseman, long time infielder Jorge Polanco has nearly as many games at 2nd base as he he has had at shortstop. With 430 games of experience there he certainly would qualify as a veteran capable of handling the position. The issue with him is more about his health and his negative WAR output this year which is more likely due to recovery than total collapse like other bad Stearns choices. Playing between whomever is at first base and Francisco Lindor might be more stressful on his body than would playing first base or at DH.
There are quite a few second basemen slated to be available as free agents when this season concludes. Here’s the current list per baseball’s own website with their ages and any notes:
- Ozzie Albies (30) – $7MM club option
- Luis Arraez (30)
- Cavan Biggio (32)
- Jazz Chisholm Jr. (29)
- Mauricio Dubon (32)
- Kyle Farmer (35)
- Adam Frazier (35)
- Jonathan India (30)
- Brandon Lowe (32)
- Gavin Lux (29)
- Nick Madrigal (30)
- Dylan Moore (34)
- Brendan Rodgers (30)
- Amed Rosario (31)
- Gleyber Torres (30)
- Luis Urias (30)
- Ildemaro Vargas (35)
Trades can also be made but right now the David Stearns-led Mets seem to be establishing a pattern of getting the short end of the stick using this approach.
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