WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Marcus Semien is still adjusting to his new surroundings.
The Mets second baseman, acquired from Texas in exchange for Brandon Nimmo this offseason, is looking not just to help solidify a revamped infield, but also get back to the type of hitter he was in 2023.
Since then, his struggles at the plate have been well-documented, and though the Mets don’t need Semien to get back to that All-Star level, a resurgence at the plate by a 35-year-old can’t exactly be counted upon.
But if he plays defense like he’s capable of, the Mets will take it.
Losing Francisco Lindor to hand surgery for a stress fracture in his left hamate bone slowed the duo’s learning curve in the middle of the diamond, but with Lindor set to begin fielding drills as soon as Friday, their work can begin in earnest.
“It sounds like his hand is feeling pretty good,” Semien said. “I’m looking forward to seeing it because he’s one of the best in the game. He’s a person I can learn from on the defensive side as well.”
Though each of them has plenty of experience, they want to figure out the nuances of playing together before the regular season begins.
“It is [important],’’ Semien said of the duo building chemistry. “Both of us are veteran players. We’ve played a lot of baseball in our careers, but playing together and getting a feel for how it is to communicate. What balls can I get to and what balls he can get to and making sure we’re standing in the right places is something we should do as quickly as we possibly can.”
He has no doubt that with new infield instructor Kai Correa, as well as Tim Leiper, they’ll be able to get on the same page.
“We’re gonna be a good combination,’’ Semien said.
At the plate could be a different story, but Semien’s homer in a 5-0 win over the Astros on Thursday at Ballpark of the Palm Beaches was a positive sign.
“When he’s healthy, we know there’s a lot of things he can do, not only defensively, but offensively,’’ Carlos Mendoza said.
The manager added there’s been an adjustment to Semien’s posture that should help his swing path, and Semien said he and the coaching staff are “looking at whenever I was at my best and, ‘How do we get back to that?’ They’re working relentlessly to do that.”
And he’s hoping being around offensive minds like Lindor, Juan Soto and fellow newcomer Bo Bichette will help.
“Those guys are great to get feedback from,’’ Semien said. “Those conversations are gonna happen all year. This is a good place to be as a hitter.”
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
