"The New York Mets and infielder Jorge Polanco are in agreement on a two-year, $40 million contract, sources told ESPN on Saturday, as the club pivots away from a transformational week following the losses of Edwin Diaz and Pete Alonso in free agency. Polanco's deal, which is pending a physical, does not include an opt out or deferred money, according to a source."
"The 12-year veteran sought a three-year deal in free agency but couldn't find one, settling for a two-year pact with a high annual average value. The 32-year-old Polanco is expected to primarily play first base, replacing Alonso, and also serve as designated hitter, though he gives New York infield insurance around the diamond. Polanco was a shortstop to begin his major-league career with the Minnesota Twins before transitioning to mainly second base and designated hitter with the Seattle Mariners over the last two seasons."
"Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has emphasized the need for the team to improve on defense after their disastrous 2025 season, and he has operated thus far this offseason with that priority in mind. First, he traded Brandon Nimmo, a below-average left fielder and beloved homegrown Met, for Marcus Semien, an elite second baseman, in an exchange of expensive veterans."
Jorge Polanco agreed to a two-year, $40 million contract with the New York Mets, pending a physical and without an opt-out. The 12-year veteran sought a three-year deal but settled for two years with a high average annual value. The 32-year-old will primarily play first base and serve as designated hitter while providing infield insurance. Polanco began his career as a shortstop with the Minnesota Twins and moved to mainly second base and DH with the Seattle Mariners; he has not yet played first base in the majors. Mets president David Stearns prioritized defense after 2025 and is banking on Polanco’s middle-infielder background to make a first-base transition feasible.
Read at ESPN.com
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