In a move that helps address a huge hole at first base, the New York Mets and infielder Jorge Polanco agreed Saturday to a two-year deal worth $40 million, league sources told The Athletic.
With the Mets, Polanco — pending a physical — will mostly play first base, potentially designated hitter, and will provide insurance around the rest of the infield because of his versatility, league sources said.
Pete Alonso, the Mets’ all-time home run leader, signed with the Baltimore Orioles via free agency, leaving a huge void at first base.
Over his 12-year career, Polanco has logged a total of 0 innings at first base. It’s an interesting move for a club that wants to prioritize defense. David Stearns, the Mets’ president of baseball operations, has done this in the past. For example, while in Milwaukee and after signing Gold Glove second baseman Kolten Wong, he moved Keston Hiura to first base. Evaluators suggest Polanco, 32, could succeed at the position, pointing to his athleticism.
He played a vital role for the Seattle Mariners en route to the American League Championship Series. After being re-signed to a one-year deal for $7.75 million last February following an underwhelming 2024 campaign, Polanco responded with one of the best offensive seasons in his career. Polanco hit 26 homers with an .821 OPS, mostly as a designated hitter, with some occasional starts at second base.
In October, Polanco helped the Mariners down the Detroit Tigers in the American League Division Series by homering twice off ace Tarik Skubal in a Game 2 victory.
“He’s been carrying this lineup this postseason,” teammate Cal Raleigh said during a torrid stretch for Polanco.
Polanco’s bat cooled, though, as Seattle fell to the Toronto Blue Jays in the next round.
Polanco rose through the Minnesota Twins’ farm system as a shortstop. He made his only All-Star appearance at the position in 2019. He moved to second base in 2021. In recent seasons, his skills in the field have dipped. At this stage in his career, most of his value comes from his bat. As a switch-hitter, Polanco did well against right-handers and left-handers in 2025, though he performed better against lefties.
