It is a sad day for Oakland A’s fans, although it is one that was expected. Long time shortstop Marcus Semien is heading to greener pastures, and a larger bank account, as he is officially leaving the A’s behind.
Semien has reportedly agreed to terms with the Toronto Blue Jays, signing a one year deal worth $18 million. He received extra compensation as he is moving from short to second base.
Infielder Marcus Semien is in agreement with the Toronto Blue Jays on a one-year, $18 million contract, a source familiar with the deal tells ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 26, 2021
Marcus Semien the third player to leave the Oakland A’s this offseason
Initially, it seemed as though the A’s would be able to retain their shortstop. There were not many teams needing someone at the position, and Oakland’s front office had repetitively stated that they wanted him back. Considering what he meant to both the locker room and the community, it was unlikely that other teams would value Semien as highly as the A’s.
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But then reports began to circulate that other teams were interested in Semien at other positions. The Red Sox were looking at him to play second. Then the Dodgers were interested in Semien at third. Suddenly, Semien’s market had expanded to the point where there were more than a handful of teams considering him as an option.
Although there were multiple teams interested, the Blue Jays were a surprising destination. They were known to be looking for either a third baseman or a second baseman, but had not been connected to Semien. Now they are making a significant one year investment in the hopes that his 2019 campaign was not a fluke.
Semien is also now the third member of A’s to depart this offseason, following Robbie Grossman and Liam Hendriks out the door. While the first two were expected, there was hope that the A’s long time shortstop would return. Somehow, this loss is different – Oakland lost far more than their shortstop on Tuesday.
Marcus Semien has signed a one year deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. He leaves behind some large shoes to fill.