David Stearns confident ‘motivated’ Marcus Semien will rebound after brutal first Mets season

Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns expects Marcus Semien to get substantial playing time at second base next season, despite a poor first year with the team. Stearns pointed to Semien’s work ethic and motivation, while saying he believes the 36-year-old can perform better.

Semien recorded a .620 OPS and ranked in MLB’s fifth percentile for outs above average, with a minus-9 defensive figure. He has $46 million left on his contract over two seasons, and the Mets also have Brett Baty and several prospects as options at second. Stearns said Bo Bichette is expected to remain at third base after opting into a $42 million contract for next season.