Mets’ Jorge Polanco Nearing Return as New York Eyes Midseason Spark

The New York Mets’ season has not unfolded as planned, but the team may soon receive a timely reinforcement that could help stabilize a struggling roster. First baseman Jorge Polanco, sidelined since mid-April, is reportedly nearing a return after dealing with Achilles bursitis and a wrist injury.

Polanco’s absence has been felt as the Mets continue to search for consistent production in a difficult campaign. The veteran infielder was expected to play a key role after signing a two-year, $40 million contract in the offseason, a move designed to strengthen the team’s infield and add experienced offensive depth.

While his recovery process has taken longer than initially expected, recent updates suggest a potential return window is beginning to emerge. According to reporting, the Mets are hopeful Polanco could rejoin the lineup as soon as their upcoming series against the San Diego Padres.

Still, both the player and organization have emphasized caution throughout his rehabilitation. With the injury requiring careful management, the focus remains on ensuring he returns fully healthy rather than rushing back into action prematurely.

1. Recovery Progress and Timeline Emerges

Polanco has been sidelined since the middle of April after suffering multiple lower-body and upper-body setbacks. The combination of Achilles bursitis and a wrist issue has limited his ability to progress steadily through rehab, making his recovery more complex than a standard injury timeline. Despite the challenges, optimism has grown within the organization regarding his potential return. Reports indicate that the Mets are targeting next weekend’s series in San Diego as the most realistic opportunity for him to rejoin the roster. However, his availability remains uncertain, as team officials have made it clear there will be no rush to activate him if he is not fully ready. The priority is ensuring long-term health rather than short-term lineup reinforcement. Polanco himself has echoed that sentiment, emphasizing patience as he works through his recovery. He has continued to focus on rehabilitation while avoiding any timeline that could compromise his physical condition moving forward.

2. Expectations After Offseason Signing

Polanco’s arrival in New York came with significant expectations after he signed a two-year, $40 million deal during the offseason. The move was intended to help fill a key role in the Mets’ infield and provide a steady offensive presence in the lineup. The organization viewed him as an important piece in reshaping the roster following changes at first base. His experience and past production were seen as valuable additions to a team looking to return to postseason contention. However, his early tenure with the Mets has been interrupted by injury and inconsistency. In 14 games with the club, Polanco has struggled offensively, posting a .179 batting average and a .532 OPS, numbers that fell short of expectations. Those struggles stand in contrast to his more productive 2025 season with the Seattle Mariners, where he recorded 26 home runs, 78 RBIs, and an .821 OPS over 138 games. That performance highlighted the level of offensive impact he is capable of providing when fully healthy.

3. Mets Seek Momentum in Difficult Season

The timing of Polanco’s potential return comes as the Mets attempt to reverse a difficult start to the season. Sitting near the bottom of the National League East with a 25-33 record, the team has struggled to find consistency on both sides of the ball. Injuries have played a role in New York’s uneven performance, limiting the lineup’s ability to develop rhythm and continuity. Polanco’s absence has been part of that challenge, particularly given his expected role as a middle-of-the-order contributor. If he returns as projected, the Mets will hope he can help stabilize an offense that has lacked sustained production. While one player alone is unlikely to transform the season, his presence could provide a needed boost as the team approaches the midpoint of the year. The organization continues to search for ways to remain competitive in a tightly contested division. As summer approaches, Polanco’s return represents one of the more significant potential turning points in a season that has yet to find its footing.