Playoff star Jorge Polanco agrees to a two-year contract with the Mets to fill the Alonso vacancy at first base.

Early in the offseason, despite losing crucial players such as Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo, and Edwin Díaz, the New York Mets maintained that they were not rebuilding but restructuring their lineup.

The Mets still intend to field a playoff-caliber team, and today they took a step toward that goal by reaching a two-year deal with versatile infielder and renowned postseason performer Jorge Polanco. Sources indicate the contract is worth $40 million, though it has yet to be officially confirmed by the team.

Although Polanco has extensive experience at second base, third base, and shortstop, the Mets primarily signed him to play a position he has faced only one batter at in the majors: first base. This effectively makes him a short-term replacement for Alonso, but Polanco’s defensive versatility will also allow him to see time across the infield and as a designated hitter.

The Mets’ usual infield starting lineup on most nights is expected to feature Polanco at first base, Marcus Semien at second, Francisco Lindor at shortstop, and Brett Baty at third. Behind them, Mark Vientos, Ronny Mauricio, and Luisangel Acuña will compete for roster spots, while Jeff McNeil is expected to rotate around the infield. The Mets may consider trading from this crowded group at some point during the offseason.

After a disappointing debut season with the Seattle Mariners in 2024, Polanco bounced back this year with his best offensive performance since 2021, posting a slash line of .265/.326/.495 (OPS 0.821), hitting 26 home runs and driving in 78 runs. He started hot with 9 home runs before the end of April and maintained an OPS above 1.000 until mid-May. After a midseason slump, he finished the year strong.

In addition to hitting .329 with a 1.014 OPS in September, Polanco emerged as a key threat for the Mariners in the October playoffs. In Game 2 of the AL Division Series, he hit two home runs off Tigers ace Tarik Skubal to secure the win; then in Game 5, he delivered a walk-off hit to send Seattle to the AL Championship Series. In the ALCS in Toronto, Polanco drove in two runs in Game 1 and hit a crucial go-ahead three-run homer in Game 2, helping the Mariners take a 2-0 series lead.

After the season ended, Polanco did not receive a qualifying offer from the Mariners, so signing him did not require draft pick compensation.

In 2025, Polanco’s performance met the Mariners’ expectations when they acquired him from the Twins during the 2023-24 offseason. However, in his first year in Seattle, he hit just .213 with a 0.651 OPS, including a home OPS of only 0.606. Defensively, his -10 Outs Above Average (OAA) at second base ranked last among 37 qualified players at that position.

In 2025, the Mariners primarily used Polanco as a designated hitter, starting him in that role 87 times, with 34 starts at second base (where his OAA was -1) and 5 at third base. Although Polanco has never been a top defender at any position, he replaced Alonso, who had significantly below-average defensive performance. The Mets will give Polanco ample opportunity to adjust to his new position.

Polanco made his major league debut with the Twins in 2014 at age 20 and spent his first ten MLB seasons with them. Over his 12-year career, he has posted a slash line of .263/.330/.442 with 154 career home runs. As a left-handed hitter, his career OPS is 0.787, while as a right-handed hitter it is 0.737.

Polanco, along with Semien and closer Devin Williams, represent the Mets’ main offseason additions so far this winter. The team still has several positions to fill, including outfield, starting rotation, and bullpen. But with Polanco’s arrival, their infield has largely been set.