Although the Boston Red Sox have a long term answer at shortstop, they are still reportedly interested in Marcus Semien.
Despite his status as arguably the second best shortstop available in free agency, there have not been many rumors swirly around Marcus Semien. In fact, the only reports that had come out involved teams checking to see if he would be willing to change positions on the diamond. As Semien had not appeared at a position other than short since 2014, that seemed highly unlikely.
But at least one team is interested in Semien at another position. According to Peter Gammons, the Boston Red Sox have interest in making Semien their primary second baseman, provided the financial aspect could work out.
Marcus Semien would seem to be a fit @2B for Red Sox. Posts up, most G any MLB SS 2018-20. Bigtime Leader. Playoffs erased off-kilter 50 G season. 5th among SS in WRC+ 2018 among SS w/ 1500 PA. College roomie of scouting dir. Paul Toboni. Sox like him, but don't yet know $.
— Peter Gammons (@pgammo) December 23, 2020
Boston would seem to be an odd fit. Xander Bogaerts will hold down short for the foreseeable future and is one of the better shortstops in the game. Rafael Devers is the future for Boston at the hot corner. However, second base has been a black hole since Dustin Pedroia became physically unable to play.
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Semien would be a bit of a risk. While he had an impressive 2019 campaign, the rest of his career has been rather pedestrian, as he has posted an OPS+ under 100 in every other season. Semien has combined for a .254/.322/.425 batting line, hitting 115 homers and 170 doubles him his 3620 plate appearances.
He would also be a bit of a gamble defensively. Semien had to work hard to become a better defensive player at short, and has not appeared at second since a 26 game stint in 2014. During his brief time at second, he is considered to have cost the White Sox a run. Perhaps, with some work, he could develop into a useful piece at the keystone as well.
This may be Semien’s lot regardless of which team he signs with. There are not a lot of openings at short around the league, although there are plenty of teams that need help at second or third. He may be on the move defensively as well.
The Boston Red Sox are reportedly interested in Marcus Semien as a second baseman. If the finances can line up, he may be heading for the East Coast.