Polanco’s Arrival Marks a New Chapter for the Mets
The New York Mets made headlines Saturday by signing infielder Jorge Polanco to a two-year, $40 million contract, league sources confirmed to The Athletic. The deal, pending a physical, signals the Mets’ intent to immediately address the glaring vacancy at first base left by Pete Alonso’s free agency move to the Baltimore Orioles.
Filling Pete Alonso’s Shoes: A Bold Solution
Alonso’s departure created a void not only in the lineup but also in the clubhouse—a leadership gap and a loss of the Mets’ all-time home run leader. Enter Jorge Polanco, a player whose major league résumé spans 12 years, yet, strikingly, features zero innings played at first base. That detail alone makes the signing a talking point in baseball circles. Can a seasoned infielder, known primarily for his work at shortstop and second base, make the leap to first?
David Stearns, the Mets’ president of baseball operations, seems to think so. His track record in Milwaukee—where he moved Keston Hiura, a second baseman, to first after signing Kolten Wong—suggests a willingness to think outside the box. Evaluators point to Polanco’s athleticism and versatility as reasons for optimism. At 32, Polanco may be past his defensive prime, but his ability to adjust and his reputation as a hard worker could ease the transition.
Offensive Firepower: Polanco’s Best Asset
For the Mets, Polanco’s true value is in his bat. After a tepid 2024 season, the Mariners gambled on Polanco with a one-year, $7.75 million deal. He responded with a resurgent 2025 campaign: 26 home runs, an .821 OPS, and consistent production as a designated hitter. His postseason performance was even more eye-catching. In the American League Division Series, Polanco launched two home runs off Tigers ace Tarik Skubal in Game 2, helping Seattle advance. “He’s been carrying this lineup this postseason,” said teammate Cal Raleigh, reflecting the pivotal role Polanco played.
Yet, like the Mariners, the Mets must be prepared for the streakiness that comes with Polanco. His bat cooled in the American League Championship Series, and Seattle ultimately fell to the Toronto Blue Jays. Nevertheless, his switch-hitting ability and strong splits against left-handed pitching make him a reliable offensive threat in a league that increasingly values lineup flexibility.
Versatility and Risk: A Calculated Gamble
Polanco’s journey from the Minnesota Twins’ farm system to his new role in New York is a testament to adaptability. Originally a shortstop, he earned his sole All-Star nod at that position in 2019 before shifting to second base in 2021. Recent years have seen a decline in his defensive range, but his versatility—being able to slot in at several infield positions—remains attractive to teams seeking roster flexibility. For the Mets, he may also see time as a designated hitter and provide insurance across the infield, but the primary challenge will be his adjustment to first base—a position with different footwork, responsibilities, and expectations.
Mets’ Strategic Vision: Betting on Athleticism
This signing is not just about plugging a hole. It’s a statement about the Mets’ willingness to take calculated risks and prioritize offensive production. The market for first basemen this offseason was thin, and with Alonso gone, the Mets could not afford to stand pat. By bringing in Polanco, they signal a preference for athleticism and adaptability over traditional experience at the position. If Polanco adapts quickly, the move could pay dividends in both wins and clubhouse chemistry.
League insiders point out that Stearns’ history of unconventional moves is rooted in a belief that talent can be repurposed. Polanco’s athletic profile and work ethic provide hope that he’ll succeed where others might struggle. But the reality remains: the Mets are asking a player in his thirties to reinvent himself at a position he’s never played before in the major leagues. The outcome is far from certain, and the baseball world will be watching closely.
What Does This Mean for the Mets’ 2025 Outlook?
With Polanco on board, the Mets have patched their most glaring lineup weakness. His offensive prowess could stabilize the middle of the order, while his switch-hitting ability gives manager Carlos Mendoza options against any pitching matchup. The insurance Polanco provides around the infield could also ease depth concerns, especially in a long season where injuries are inevitable.
Yet the move also raises questions. How will Polanco handle the defensive demands of first base? Can he replicate his 2025 offensive output in a new league, a new city, and under heightened expectations? If the experiment fails, the Mets may have to revisit their options mid-season. If it succeeds, Polanco could become one of the most impactful signings of the offseason.
In the final analysis, Jorge Polanco’s signing is a high-stakes bet on adaptability, athleticism, and the power of reinvention. The Mets’ willingness to entrust first base to an infielder with zero major league experience at the position underscores both the urgency of their roster needs and their faith in Polanco’s ability to deliver. Only time will tell if this gamble pays off, but for now, it’s a story worth watching closely.