The 2024 campaign was a rough one for Mariners infielder Jorge Polanco, who posted the lowest OPS of his career in Seattle. The two sides will give it another chance. Polanco will reportedly sign a one-year deal with the M’s on January 30.
A Look at Polanco
Almost a year ago to the day, the Mariners acquired Jorge Polanco is a massive trade, one that cost Seattle Justin Topa, plus Gabriel Gonzalez & Anthony DeSclafani.
One year later, the trade doesn’t look terrible on paper; Gonzalez went backwards by only hitting five home runs and a .707 OPS. Topa only pitched in three games last season, while DeSclafani didn’t pitch at all. However, Polanco’s 2024 was rough to say the least.
The 31-year-old played in 118 games, his highest total since 2021. However, he batted .213/.296/.355 (.651 OPS) with 16 home runs and 27 extra-base hits.
Injuries have long been a problem for Polanco. He was out for almost a month with a hamstring strain. And while healthy, Polanco didn’t hit the ball as hard compared to past seasons; his 8.9% Barrel% in 2024 was his lowest since 2019. Plus, 16 home runs in 118 games wasn’t bad for a second baseman.
On the other hand, Polanco, a pull-heavy hitter, was out of sorts when dealing with pitchers.
Since he’s a switch-hitter, Polanco is more prone to seeing changeups and splitters. The veteran infielder saw offspeed 20+% between 2022-23 and has been able to lay into mistakes, or just lay off the pitch. But last season, Polanco batted .145 — compared to .275 in 2022 — with a 48.4% Whiff% in 2024.
Polanco just look off on the pitch, often either too out in front or just chasing it.
While overall, Polanco chased at just a rate of 24% — above the league-average — it didn’t result into success at the dish. His 29.3% K% was the highest of his career.
Defensively, Polanco was a -27 in terms of Outs Above Average across the last three seasons. Almost all of that was at second (he’s a -2 at third). He has roughly-average sprint speed. However, Polanco’s injury history and past production makes him a risky play in the field.
Per the Seattle Times, Polanco will play third base with the M’s in 2025.
Per reports, the Mariners will give Jorge Polanco a one-year deal worth $7MM. He’ll also reportedly receive an option, attached to a $775K buyout.
Analysis
Seattle acquired Polanco with the idea that he would fill their long-standing hole at second base. The M’s have tried numerous players to fill it, from Josh Rojas, to Sam Haggerty, to Kolten Wong. Polanco, given his track record at the plate, was a good bet. But last season, it didn’t work.
The Mariners finished 2024 with the most strikeouts in baseball, and as noted above, Polanco played a role in that. Seattle did somewhat address that by bringing in utilityman Donovan Solano, who can play first, second, or third. Solano has a good feel for making contact without doing too much at the dish.
However, Seattle still needed pop and run producers to not just protect but also come through. The M’s have Cal Raleigh, Randy Arozarena, and Julio Rodriguez to lead their offense. That group, though, doesn’t look much different compared to 2024, one that finished 21st in runs scored.
Polanco has natural pop, a valuable asset for a second baseman. And, the Mariners can easily slot him in with J.P. Crawford, and a mix of Dylan Moore, Ryan Bliss, Tyler Locklear, and the aforementioned Solano.
Health will be key for Polanco, as it always is. However, what will be even more interesting is what adjustments Polanco will make heading into 2025.
Polanco re-joining the Mariners was one of two notable moves on January 30. The other saw the Blue Jays sign Max Scherzer to a one-year deal.