The disappointing 2026 season for the New York Mets has been defined by more than just losses and inconsistency. Injuries to several core players have forced the club into uncomfortable roster decisions, and perhaps no situation better highlights the team’s current frustration than the continued presence of Marcus Semien in the starting lineup despite his prolonged offensive struggles.
The Mets have already been hit hard by injuries to key stars including Francisco Lindor, Jorge Polanco, and Luis Robert Jr.. Losing multiple impact bats at the same time has severely weakened the lineup and stripped the team of much-needed flexibility. As a result, New York has found itself relying heavily on players who, under normal circumstances, likely would not be receiving everyday at-bats.
One of the clearest examples is Semien, whose production this season has fallen dramatically below expectations. The veteran infielder currently owns a 65 OPS+ along with a .216 batting average and a .575 OPS, numbers that place him well below league-average offensively. Despite the struggles, the Mets continue to pencil him into the lineup almost daily not necessarily because of performance, but because of the massive financial commitment tied to him.
ESPN analyst David Schoenfield pointed directly to the financial reality behind the situation, noting that the Mets still owe Semien enormous money over the next several seasons. With $26 million owed in 2027 and another $20 million in 2028, the organization cannot realistically justify benching a player carrying that type of salary commitment.
For the Mets, the issue extends beyond simple “sunk cost” thinking. The franchise has too much invested in Semien to simply move on, even while his offensive production continues to lag far behind expectations. Given the size of his contract and his declining numbers, finding a trade partner willing to absorb that financial burden would be extremely difficult.
The lack of healthy alternatives only worsens the situation. With Lindor and Polanco unavailable, New York’s infield depth has been stretched thin, leaving manager Carlos Mendoza with limited options. Even if Semien continues to struggle offensively, the Mets may have little choice but to keep running him out there in hopes that the veteran eventually rediscovers his form.
What makes the situation particularly frustrating for the organization is that Semien was expected to be a stabilizing veteran presence and an important contributor in a lineup built to contend. Instead, his struggles have become symbolic of a season filled with disappointment, injuries, and underperformance.
As the Mets continue to slide through a difficult campaign, Semien’s contract and production mismatch has become one of the clearest reminders of how quickly high-priced expectations can turn into long-term roster complications.
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