This Rangers player will be key to World Series success despite struggles
One of the most productive hitters in baseball over the last three seasons, Texas Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien has not been able to replicate that production in the postseason.
Starting all 12 games for the Rangers in these playoffs, the two-time All-Star has struggled to reach base leading off for the most potent offense in the American League.
Finishing the regular season slashing .276/.348/.478 with 73 extra-base hits and 100 RBI, Semien has been nonexistent at the plate this postseason with a .192/.276/.231 slash line with two XBH and two RBI in 52 at-bats
While he has experienced a little bad luck with a .217 BABIP, Semien will be the first to tell you he has to do better setting the table for the Rangers, and his bat will be a major key in the World Series.
While the bat hasn't been there, the glove certainly has.
The 33-year-old made numerous plays in the field in the American League Championship Series versus the Houston Astros and solidified why he was announced as a finalist for the AL Gold Glove at second base, an award he won in 2021 with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Considered one of the leaders on the team, he captains an infield that has three other Gold Glove Award finalists, and others take notice of his lead-by-example attitude.
"He goes about it every day, works hard. He doesn't need to be the vocal leader. It's just by watching, you can learn from him and know everything you need to know about him," said Rangers shortstop Corey Seager when speaking to MLB.com's Kennedi Landry.
"He does so many things well, and he cares so much... He's a big part of the reason why the team is where it's at this year," said Rangers outfielder Robbie Grossman.
With 221 XBH and 285 RBI over the last three seasons, both the Rangers and Semien know that he is one swing away from turning things around.
Only four games separate the Rangers from their first World Series title in franchise history, but they will face off with a red-hot Diamondbacks team looking to spoil the fun.
If the Rangers pull it off, don't be surprised if Semien puts up a World Series MVP-worthy performance while doing it.
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