"The conversations with the Mets were pretty easy [during free agency], Polanco said through team translator Alan Surriel. I was already making that transition last year when I was with Seattle. That was a pretty easy conversation for me to have, especially because I was offering my services as a first baseman, second baseman, third baseman. So when the Mets asked if I was able to play a little bit of first, I was definitely willing to do that right away."
"The biggest difference is the position that you get into to receive pick-offs or picks or just getting to the base. That's the toughest transition for me because that's very different than when you're playing in the m middle of the infield. But I think with my experience of playing second, third, short, it allows me to be an athlete, and I think that my athleticism will help me when I'm playing first base."
Jorge Polanco has made just a single appearance at first base in his 12-year major-league career and has not recorded a defensive chance. The Mets signed Polanco to a two-year, $40 million deal and plan to give him the majority of his at-bats as a first baseman and designated hitter. Polanco began transitioning to first base with the Mariners, working with coaches Perry Hill and Manny Acta in pregame routines. He identifies receiving pick-offs and getting to the bag as the toughest adjustment but cites experience at second, third and shortstop and his athleticism as assets. Offensively he posted 26 home runs, 78 RBI and an .821 OPS while helping Seattle reach the ALCS.
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