Early Life and Career Beginnings
Marcus Andrew Semien was born on September 17, 1990, in San Francisco, California. He played college baseball at the University of California, Berkeley, before being drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the sixth round of the 2011 MLB Draft.
He made his major league debut on September 4, 2013.
Contract History
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After making a name for himself with the Oakland Athletics, Semien entered free agency following the 2020 season.
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In January 2021, he signed a one-year, $18 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.
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The big step came later that year: on November 28, 2021, Semien agreed to a seven-year, $175 million deal with the Texas Rangers.
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According to contract breakdowns, his salary is roughly $25–26 million per year, with a drop in 2028.
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As of 2025, he still has three years and $72 million remaining on that contract.
Trade History
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Semien was traded from the White Sox to the Oakland A’s on December 9, 2014. In that deal, Chicago received Jeff Samardzija and Michael Ynoa.
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After several seasons in Oakland, he left as a free agent and joined the Blue Jays for just one year (2021).
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In a major offseason move in 2025, the Texas Rangers traded Semien to the New York Mets in exchange for outfielder Brandon Nimmo.
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Reports indicate the Mets are also sending $5 million to Texas to offset the remaining salary on Semien’s contract.
FanGraphs Analysis & Performance Metrics
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FanGraphs writers have tracked Semien’s transformation over his career. Once considered an average infielder, he improved significantly — both offensively and defensively — turning into a more valuable, well-rounded player.
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According to projection models like ZiPS (used by FanGraphs), his value was expected to stay strong for several seasons after he joined the Rangers.
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Defensively, Semien has been highly rated throughout his career; his range and consistency have contributed significantly to his WAR (Wins Above Replacement) as calculated by advanced metrics (like those on FanGraphs).
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His durability has also been notable: before his injury in 2025, he rarely missed games.
Personal Life — Wife & Family
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Marcus Semien is married to Tarah Murrey.
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Tarah has a background in volleyball — she played during her college days and even coached for a while.
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The couple have several children: their sons Isaiah, Joshua, and Eli, and at least one daughter (as reported).
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They live in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, where they raise their family when Semien plays for the Rangers.
Legacy and Impact
Marcus Semien’s journey — from a relatively unheralded draft pick to a cornerstone infielder on a massive contract — exemplifies the power of perseverance and adaptability. His defensive skill set, combined with offensive improvements, make him a valuable asset according to FanGraphs-style analytics. Moreover, his stable family life and off-field commitment reflect a grounded personality despite his superstar status.
If the recent trade to the Mets is confirmed, it could mark a new chapter in his career — potentially reshaping how he’s perceived in the later years of his contract. With three seasons and significant money left, Semien remains a key piece for any team aiming for both defensive stability and veteran leadership.
