Could the Rangers' $175 million man be on his way out of Arlington?

President of Baseball Operations Chris Young and Rangers' ownership has made it clear that they will be looking to reduce the payroll next season.

Rumors are that ironman second baseman Marcus Semien, who is coming off his worst season since joining the club, could be on the move this offseason.

Marcus Semien still has three years left on his deal

With three years left on Semien's seven-year, $175 million deal, the Rangers would have to eat at least part if not all of the $72 million still owed to him.

If the Rangers decide to split up the Semien/Corey Seager power middle infield duo, which has been together for four years now, it would signal that the team is truly committed to reducing its salary moving forward.

The team would be left with a couple of options, including giving Cody Freeman a good look, or they could go out and sign a free agent to take over second base. Luis Arraez, Gleyber Torres, and former Ranger Isiah Kiner-Falefa are all unrestricted free agents who would come at a cheaper price tag.

Semien has regressed significantly since his stellar 2023 campaign

When the Rangers won the World Series in 2023, Semien had a career year. He played in all 162 games and led the league in at-bats and led the American League with 185 hits. He finished the season hitting .276 with 24 home runs and 100 RBIs while finishing 3rd in the AL MVP voting.

The year after that spectacular season, his average dipped all the way to .237, and his OPS dropped precipitously from .826 to .699. This season was even worse as the Gold Glover hit just .230 with a .639 OPS and ended the year on the IL with a left foot fracture.

Semien turned 35 in September and his downward trajectory at the plate over the last several seasons may indicate that the team is willing to cut bait and hit the refresh button.