The New York Mets and Texas Rangers completed a blockbuster trade over the weekend that reshapes both rosters heading into the 2026 season. Brandon Nimmo, the longest-tenured Met and a fan favorite in Queens, has been dealt to Texas in exchange for three-time All-Star second baseman Marcus Semien and cash considerations.

The trade marks the end of an era for Nimmo, who was selected by the Mets with the 13th overall pick in the 2011 MLB Draft. The 32-year-old outfielder initially expressed surprise when the Mets approached him about the deal on Friday, given his deep roots with the organization and his home in Port St. Lucie, Florida, where the team holds spring training.

Before making his decision to waive his no-trade clause, Nimmo reached out to an old friend for advice. Jacob deGrom, the former Mets ace who now anchors the Rangers rotation, provided the reassurance Nimmo needed. According to Nimmo, deGrom confirmed that Texas remains committed to contending rather than rebuilding.

He has been on both sides, and he has absolutely thrived in this environment, Nimmo said of his conversation with deGrom. He thinks that we are capable of winning a World Series.

Nimmo is coming off a strong 2025 campaign in which he posted career highs with 25 home runs and 92 RBIs while batting .262 across 155 games. His 114 wRC+ represented solid production from the middle of the Mets lineup. He brings three years and approximately $101 million remaining on the eight-year, $162 million contract he signed to stay in New York during December 2022.

For the Rangers, the acquisition fills a significant void. Texas non-tendered longtime outfielder Adolis Garcia earlier this offseason, creating an opening alongside Evan Carter and Wyatt Langford. The Rangers struggled offensively in 2025 and viewed Nimmo as a stabilizing presence who can slot into the upper portion of their batting order alongside superstar shortstop Corey Seager.

The Mets are sending approximately $5 million to Texas along with Nimmo to help bridge the financial gap between the two contracts. In return, they receive Semien, a 35-year-old infielder who won his second Gold Glove Award this past season despite offensive struggles.

Semien slashed .230/.305/.364 with 15 home runs and 62 RBIs in 127 games during 2025, producing a career-low 89 wRC+ for a full season. However, his defensive excellence at second base, where he recorded seven outs above average, made him one of the premier glovemen at the position. He was instrumental in the Rangers 2023 World Series championship run.

The 35-year-old has three years and $72 million remaining on the seven-year, $175 million deal he signed with Texas during the 2021-22 offseason. For the Mets, who made defensive improvement a priority this winter, Semien represents an immediate upgrade up the middle.

This trade serves both organizations well. The Rangers acquire a productive left-handed bat while trimming payroll, as the club looks to reduce spending with four players already set to earn more than $25 million next season. The Mets, meanwhile, address their defensive deficiencies while adding a proven winner with championship experience.

As the Winter Meetings approach next week in Orlando, this Nimmo-Semien swap has already set the tone for what promises to be an active and unpredictable offseason across Major League Baseball.