The Texas Rangers exploded for a 7 run 8th innings on Tuesday night, and Marcus Semien was not a part of it. The fact is he has not really be a part of any offense in 2022.
I am a glass half full guy and want to give a player the benefit of the doubt. The time has come to start to doubt.
Semien was a MVP finalist two of the last three seasons, and in 2021 he posted a .235/.364/.538 slash line with 45 home runs. He also played a bunch of home games in a minor league park in Buffalo.
Worrying Numbers
His 25.2 hard hit ball rate is fifth worst in MLB among qualified hitters. In 34 games Semien is batting .167 with zero home runs. Dare I say it. Rougned Odor right now is batting .196 with 1 home run.
Semien’s slugging percentage is .209. Let that sink in. Now I don’t know if it is all mental or maybe he is injured? This is not typical of his career.
He is a career .253 hitter averaging 157 hits and 25 homers a season. He has played in 34 games and has 21 hits up to this point in 2022.
Now can we panic?
I have been a proponent of not hitting the panic button, but I am now doubting my stance. We are over 20% of the way through the 2022 season and our second baseman is being outhit by Rougned Odor.
Everyone continues to say he will come around. What if he doesn’t? What if this is the guy the Rangers payed $175 million for?
I would not have even entertained those thoughts two weeks ago, but I am starting to wonder now. Even with a power surge at some point, Marcus Semien is not going to hit 45 long balls in 2022.
So while it may not be time to hit the panic button, my hand is now hovering over said button. The numbers are impossible to ignore. He is in a major slump.
Slump or Trend?
The hope is a resurgence of power and average over the summer. The fear is what we have seen so far in 2022 for a full 162 games and beyond.
Marcus Semien would not be the first big name free agent signing to be a bust. He also would not be the last.
