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Marcus Semien 2022 Outlook: Change of Scenery Warns of Drop in Production
3 years agoMarcus Semien parlayed a career-best season into a seven-year contract worth $175 million to play for the Texas Rangers. There is no question that he will stay at second base following a similar payday for shortstop Corey Seager, who will slot alongside Semien in the infield and the new-look Rangers lineup. Semien was a revelation for fantasy teams after he finished fourth in the majors with 45 home runs, fifth with 115 runs, and 15th with 102 RBI. Add in 15 steals and he was a true five-category contributor. The question about whether this is repeatable doesn't come down to track record. Although he had never reached those heights, Semien had a pair of big-power seasons under his belt and five seasons with double-digit steals. The move from Toronto to Texas makes for a far inferior supporting cast and park factor; Globe Life Park ranked 22nd in HR Factor in 2021. Semien will be universally regarded as a top-50 fantasy player, which is fair, but it's best not to overpay for last year's stats. His early NFBC ADP of 25 is tad high compared to players like Whit Merrifield going after him who can provide a higher floor in batting average and more steals.
