In the 2021-22 MLB offseason – the one with the ugly lockout that threatened the 2022 campaign – the Texas Rangers made a statement.
They spent $500 million on just two players: Corey Seager and Marcus Semien.
Seager got $325 million and Semien got $175 million.
Lots of people criticized the Rangers for trying to “buy their way” to a championship, but flags fly forever and it’s not just about spending: it’s knowing how to spend.
The New York Mets, the New York Yankees, the Los Angeles Dodgers… all of them had higher payrolls than the Rangers and the first two missed the postseason while the latter couldn’t get past the Divisional round.
Go ahead and tell the Rangers they shouldn’t have done it while they celebrate their World Series title with Seager as the World Series MVP.
Seager had 75 extra-base hits in limited action, and Semien was also incredibly productive.
We will get there in a minute, but first, we will focus on one thing when talking about Semien: availability.
It’s an underrated trait these days, but an increasingly important one.
It’s not just about being good: it’s about being ready to play at top form.
And Semien did it in 20223.
“Marcus Semien played in all 179 games for the Rangers this season,” MLB on FOX tweeted.
Marcus Semien played in all 179 games for the Rangers this season pic.twitter.com/fKOTKr6h9Q
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) November 2, 2023
He played 162 games in the regular season and 17 in October for a grand total of 179.
Not even a day off, nothing.
Nada.
Semien was always ready to play, and boy did he help.
He scored 122 runs, homered 29 times, and drove in 100 in the regular season, with 40 doubles, 14 steals, and a .826 OPS.
He also hit the homer late in Game 5 to seal the Rangers’ victory.
What a year he just had.
The post Marcus Semien Set An Ironman Mark In 2023 appeared first on The Cold Wire.