The idea centers on Marcus Semien, the Mets’ second baseman, and Willy Adames, the Giants’ shortstop, both having down years and drawing attention from fans. The trade concept envisions a straight swap between the two infielders, with both teams seeking a change of scenery.
On social media, the analyst suggested a hypothetical deal: Semien for Adames, arguing that the Giants might need to eat a portion of Adames’s contract to make the numbers work. In the proposed scenario, Adames could move to third base, a third baseman could shift to second, and Semien would return to the Bay Area. The analyst noted that San Francisco has shown a willingness to listen to offers for Adames and other players.
Marcus Semien arrived with the Mets from the Texas Rangers in the preceding offseason in exchange for Brandon Nimmo. In his first season with New York, the 35-year-old Semien has struggled, hitting .219 with a 0.627 on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) and a 65 OPS+, indicating production roughly 35% below league average. His defense has also underperformed, contributing to a negative bWAR through the season’s midpoint. Semien is earning $26 million this year and has two more seasons left on his contract, totaling $46 million.
Willy Adames, 30, is in his second season with the Giants after agreeing to a seven-year, $182 million deal last year. He enjoyed a standout 2025 season, becoming the Giants’ first player since Barry Bonds in 2004 to post a 30-homer season. This year, however, Adames has regressed, batting .223 with a 0.686 OPS and a 94 OPS+. The contract carries a backloaded structure: $13.1 million this year, with five remaining years at $31.1 million annually.
The Mets and Giants have both underperformed this season, with the Mets sitting at 34-43 in the National League East and the Giants at 31-46 in the National League West near the season’s halfway point. Neither club appears headed to a postseason, prompting executives to consider significant lineup changes as they plan for the future.
A hypothetical Semien-for-Adames swap would be a notable move for two storied franchises seeking a reset after disappointing campaigns. Whether the trade gains traction remains to be seen, but the proposal highlights how teams are exploring every avenue to adjust rosters for the road ahead.
For fans following the season, these discussions reflect the broader strategy discussions teams undertake midseason, weighing current performance against long-term goals and financial considerations.
