Mets Sign Jorge Polanco to Two-Year Deal, Adding Power and Versatility

The New York Mets have made a significant offseason addition by signing Jorge Polanco to a two-year, $40 million deal, as first reported by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Polanco, a switch-hitting infielder, declined a $6 million player option with the Seattle Mariners, entering free agency amid interest from multiple clubs.

Polanco had a solid 2025 season, hitting .265 with 125 hits, 26 home runs, and 78 RBIs. Teams including the Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays had reportedly shown interest, but the Mets acted decisively to secure his services.

Seattle, meanwhile, reached the ALCS but fell to the Toronto Blue Jays in seven games. Polanco contributed 10 hits, three home runs, eight RBIs, and seven runs in the playoffs, batting .208 across the postseason.

For New York, this move comes amid a flurry of offseason activity, including the losses of Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz to the Baltimore Orioles and Los Angeles Dodgers, respectively. Polanco’s addition aims to help fill the void left by Alonso’s departure while adding versatility and postseason experience to the roster.

1. Power and Positional Versatility

Polanco brings a rare combination of switch-hitting ability and power for a middle infielder. Capable of playing both second and third base, he offers flexibility in the infield while slotting comfortably into the heart of the lineup. His power makes him especially effective in the middle of the batting order, providing a run-producing option that the Mets lost with Alonso’s departure. Polanco’s ability to hit from both sides of the plate adds strategic advantages against diverse pitching matchups. Defensively, he offers the Mets multiple options, able to shift seamlessly between second and third base as needed. This positional versatility allows manager Buck Showalter to optimize lineups without sacrificing defensive integrity. Beyond statistics, Polanco’s presence adds depth and reliability to the infield, helping stabilize a roster in transition and complementing other established hitters on the team.

2. Postseason Experience

Polanco brings valuable playoff experience to New York, having appeared in 24 postseason games over his 12-year MLB career. His most recent postseason with Seattle in 2025 added to that résumé, even if the Mariners fell short in the ALCS. This experience can be especially valuable for a Mets club looking to return to playoff contention after missing the postseason in 2025. Veteran players with playoff exposure often provide guidance and poise during high-pressure situations. Polanco’s familiarity with performing on big stages allows him to mentor younger players and help maintain focus during critical stretches. His contributions extend beyond the box score to intangible leadership and in-game awareness. By combining postseason experience with consistent offensive production, Polanco helps bridge the gap created by the loss of established stars while reinforcing New York’s competitive depth.

3. Filling the Middle-of-the-Order Gap

With Pete Alonso now with the Orioles, the Mets needed a proven run producer to anchor the middle of the lineup. Polanco fits that role, bringing both consistency and power. His addition also complements other offensive pieces on the roster, giving the Mets balance and flexibility in lineup construction. He can protect teammates in the batting order and provide an additional threat against both right- and left-handed pitching. Polanco’s career began with the Minnesota Twins in 2014, and he has steadily built a reputation as a durable, versatile, and productive infielder. The Mets now benefit from his combination of skill set, experience, and adaptability. The signing positions New York to remain competitive in the NL East while addressing critical gaps in both offense and defensive depth, strengthening the club’s outlook for 2026.