New York Mets second baseman Marcus Semien returned to Globe Life Field on Tuesday for the first time as a visiting player since the Texas Rangers traded him last November. Semien spent four seasons with Texas and helped deliver the franchise’s first World Series championship in 2023 after signing a seven-year, $175 million contract before the 2022 season.
The Rangers recognized Semien’s accomplishments with a pregame tribute before the Mets opened a three-game series in Arlington. His return carried particular significance because of the role he played during Texas’ championship run and the individual honors he collected with the organization.
Before first pitch, Semien opened up about returning to Globe Life Field and reflected on his memorable tenure with the organization. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, MLB.com’s Kennedi Landry shared Semien’s comments about his return to Texas.
“It’s the same drive I've been making for the last four years. There’s a lot of memories, a lot of reminiscing,” Semien said. “I really think about 2023. It was the pinnacle of my baseball career. … This is a place that's really special.”
Article Continues BelowMarcus Semien returns to Texas.
He said pregame: “It’s the same drive I've been making for the last four years. There’s a lot of memories, a lot of reminiscing.
“I really think about 2023. Or was the pinnacle of my baseball career. …This is a place that's really special.” pic.twitter.com/E0SIsT8uZ7
— kennedi landry (@kennlandry) September 23, 2026
Semien produced one of his best seasons during that 2023 championship run. He played all 162 regular-season games, led the American League with 122 runs and 185 hits, hit 29 home runs and drove in 100 runs. He finished third in AL MVP voting, won a Silver Slugger and later received MLB’s Heart & Hustle Award.
The Rangers went on to trade the infielder to the Mets in November 2025 for outfielder Brandon Nimmo, with Texas additionally receiving cash considerations. The move ended Semien’s four-year run with the club and sent him to New York with four years left on his contract.
Semien entered Tuesday batting .219 with 14 home runs, 10 stolen bases and a .626 OPS for New York. The Mets came into the series at 71-85 and already eliminated from postseason contention, while the Rangers entered at 78-78 atop the AL West. Texas currently leads New York 3-2 in the top of the sixth inning.