Jorge Polanco has joined the New York Mets on a two-year contract worth $40 million. During a virtual news conference, Polanco confirmed that he would likely transition to first base, a position he has only played for a single pitch. The Mets indicated that he would also have opportunities to play in other positions, making him a versatile addition to the team.
“I would think so,” Polanco stated through a translator when asked about his position. “They told me that I’d be playing a good amount of first base, but that I could also be bouncing around.” Throughout his career, Polanco has offered his services as a first baseman, second baseman, and third baseman. This adaptability was a key factor in the Mets’ decision to bring him on board.
Polanco is expected to fill the void left by fan favorite Pete Alonso, who signed a $155 million, five-year deal with the Baltimore Orioles. Previously, Polanco played primarily as a shortstop until 2020 and then shifted to second base until 2024. Last season, he predominantly served as a designated hitter with the Seattle Mariners, who narrowly missed reaching the World Series.
His only experience at first base came during a game against the San Francisco Giants on April 6, 2024. In a tied game, Polanco recalled, “It’s just like they always say, whenever you come into the game, the ball always finds you.” Unfortunately for him, a hit by Wilmer Flores was out of reach, resulting in a walk-off win for the Giants.
At 32 years old, Polanco is a switch-hitter with a career batting average of .260 against right-handed pitchers and .270 against lefties. He was named an All-Star in 2019 and achieved career highs three years later with 33 home runs and 98 RBIs. His performance last season included a batting average of .265, 26 home runs, 78 RBIs, 30 doubles, and an OPS of .821 across 138 games.
This offseason, Mariners coaches Manny Acta and Perry Hill advised Polanco to prepare for the possibility of playing first base. “It was very easy because I had already spoken to my agent about starting to work out at first and trying to become a more versatile baseball player,” he explained. The conversation with the Mariners aligned perfectly, making the transition smooth.
Polanco acknowledged that the most significant adjustment is the positioning required to receive pickoffs at first base. “That was the toughest transition for me because it’s very different from when you’re playing in the middle of the infield,” he noted. His extensive experience in various infield positions should work in his favor as he adapts to this new role.
With the Mets’ roster changes and Polanco’s willingness to embrace versatility, fans can expect an exciting season ahead as the team prepares for the upcoming campaign.
