BY EMMANUEL OGBONNA
The New York Mets have reached an agreement on a two-year contract with veteran infielder Jorge Polanco, strengthening their lineup with an experienced switch-hitter as the club reshapes its roster following a turbulent offseason.
The agreement, which is pending a physical and has not yet been formally announced by the team, is valued at a reported $40 million. Polanco, 32, is coming off one of the most productive offensive seasons of his career, having hit .265 with 26 home runs and 78 runs batted in for the Seattle Mariners.
Polanco spent the past two seasons in Seattle after a decade with the Minnesota Twins, where he established himself as a steady middle infielder and a reliable run producer. His move to New York comes at a time when the Mets are seeking stability and leadership after losing several cornerstone players. The departures of outfielder Brandon Nimmo, closer Edwin Díaz and longtime first baseman Pete Alonso stripped the club of three fan favorites and left significant holes both on the field and in the clubhouse.
While Polanco was used primarily as a designated hitter last season, he also logged time at second base and has experience across the infield. That versatility could prove valuable for a Mets team still sorting out its defensive alignment. With Francisco Lindor entrenched at shortstop and Marcus Semien recently acquired to handle second base duties following the trade of Nimmo, first base has emerged as a pressing question following Alonso’s exit. Polanco could factor into that mix, either directly or as part of a broader positional shuffle.
A former All-Star, Polanco earned that honor in 2019 with Minnesota and reached a career high with 33 home runs during the 2021 season. His recent resurgence is particularly notable given that he underwent surgery in October 2024 to repair a torn left patellar tendon. Despite those concerns, Seattle opted to bring him back last season on a reduced $7 million deal after declining a $12 million option, a move that paid dividends as Polanco delivered consistent power and run production.
Polanco also made his mark in the postseason, providing several pivotal hits during Seattle’s playoff run. Among them were a game-ending single in the 15th inning of a decisive Division Series Game 5 against Detroit and a three-run home run in a Championship Series victory over Toronto, moments that underscored his ability to perform under pressure.
For the Mets, the signing represents a calculated bet on a proven hitter who has shown resilience and adaptability. As New York looks to remain competitive in a challenging National League landscape, Polanco’s blend of experience, pop and positional flexibility offers a stabilizing presence amid continued roster turnover.
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