Jorge Polanco hit 26 home runs during the regular season and three in the playoffs for Seattle in 2025. Cole Burston / Getty Images
In a move that helps address a huge hole at first base, the New York Mets and infielder Jorge Polanco agreed to a two-year deal on Saturday worth $40 million, league sources told The Athletic.
With the Mets, Polanco – pending a physical – will mostly play first base, potentially designated hitter and provide insurance around the rest of the infield because of his versatility, league sources said.
Polanco, 32, 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.