What happened: Marcus Semien posted a 74 OPS+ in 2026 with minus-9 outs above average at second base. President of baseball operations David Stearns declined to name him the 2027 starter at his end-of-season news conference. New York acquired Semien last offseason by trading Brandon Nimmo.

Why it matters: Semien is owed $26 million in 2027 and $20 million in 2028 with a $24 million luxury-tax hit. The Nimmo deal already reshaped the outfield around Juan Soto in left, Carson Benge in right and A.J. Ewing in center. Second base now determines how New York allocates payroll and at-bats entering 2027.

What to watch: Watch whether New York adds an external second baseman or gives Semien a rebound chance in spring training.