The New York Mets aren’t currently looking to add a second baseman this offseason, with David Stearns expecting improvement from Marcus Semien and a group of internal options in 2027.
Speaking at the General Managers Meetings in Las Vegas, the Mets’ president of baseball operations expressed confidence in Semien despite a difficult season. Brett Baty offers another major league option, while several prospects could reach the position next year, according to MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo.
“It’s not a specific position we are looking to add to right now,” Stearns said.
Semien faces a difficult rebound
Mets second basemen combined for a .629 on-base plus slugging percentage in 2026, ranking 26th in the majors. Only the Orioles, Angels, Reds and Nationals finished lower, DiComo reported.
Semien posted a .620 OPS, placing 134th among 135 qualified hitters. His .280 on-base percentage ranked 131st, and his .340 slugging percentage ranked 132nd. The struggles extended a longer decline: Among 118 players with at least 1,000 plate appearances since the start of 2025, his .644 OPS ranked 117th.
His defense also declined from the Gold Glove-caliber level he showed in 2024, according to DiComo. A rebound at age 36 would run against recent trends. The report noted that just 12 players age 36 or older over the past 10 seasons accumulated at least 50 plate appearances with a league-average OPS+ or better.
Stearns nevertheless pointed to Semien’s motivation and work habits as reasons to keep an open mind. Semien also has two guaranteed seasons and $46 million remaining on his contract.
“Adjustments aren’t easy,” Stearns said. “We’ll see where we are come Spring Training and as we get to the season, but we’re not ready to close the door on [Semien].”
Baty gives Mets another option
Baty appeared in 25 games at second base in 2026, providing capable defense and a left-handed bat to complement the right-handed Semien, DiComo reported.
With Bo Bichette returning at third base, a Baty-Semien platoon is one possible arrangement. It has not been announced as the Mets’ plan. Semien also struggled against left-handed pitching in 2026, although his OPS against left-handers was 46 points higher than against right-handers.
Keeping those options available would give New York an experienced starting point while allowing room for younger players to compete for playing time.
Prospects could join the competition in 2027
Jefferson Rojas leads the next wave. The Mets’ top-ranked prospect is No. 68 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100, and his strong finish to the season continued into the Dominican Winter League, according to DiComo.
Rojas could compete for a major league job in spring training and could enter the second-base picture by midseason. Stearns did not commit to a promotion timetable.
“He had a great second half of the year after we acquired him,” Stearns said. “He’s playing winter ball and doing really well.”
Mitch Voit, the Mets’ No. 4 prospect, and Émilien Pitre, ranked No. 10 in the organization, also could contribute during the first half of 2027. Voit was New York’s first-round draft pick in 2025 and has not played above Double-A Binghamton. Pitre, acquired in the Freddy Peralta trade, could reach the majors sooner, DiComo reported.
For now, the Mets are counting on improvement from within. Semien and Baty provide the immediate options, with Rojas, Voit and Pitre offering possible reinforcements as the season develops.
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