Veteran infielder Jorge Polanco is officially leaving the Seattle Mariners and signing with the New York Mets on a two-year contract worth $40 million, sources reported in early December 2025. The deal reunites Polanco with a new National League club where he is expected to contribute as a first baseman and designated hitter in 2026.
Polanco, 32, became a free agent after declining his player option with the Mariners following the 2025 season, electing instead to test the open market. Seattle chose not to extend a qualifying offer, meaning the Mets did not owe draft pick compensation to sign him.
Last season in Seattle, Polanco enjoyed a bounce-back year after a disappointing 2024 campaign. In 138 games with the Mariners, he hit .265 with 26 home runs and 78 RBIs, producing an .821 OPS that marked one of the better offensive seasons of his career.
The Mariners acquired Polanco before the 2024 season from the Minnesota Twins, and while his first year in Seattle was hampered by injuries and below-average production, his 2025 breakout helped power Seattle’s offense and contribute to their deep playoff run.
In New York, the Mets plan to use Polanco primarily at first base and as a designated hitter, roles that differ from his typical history as a second baseman and shortstop. Polanco has played virtually every infield position over his 12-year career, though he has only one professional appearance at first base prior to this offseason.
His signing comes amid a larger reshaping of the Mets’ roster during the 2025–26 offseason. New York lost franchise cornerstones Pete Alonso and closer Edwin Díaz in free agency, and also traded outfielder Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers earlier in the winter. Polanco’s addition is part of New York’s bid to balance offense after these departures, alongside other moves such as acquiring Marcus Semien in the Nimmo trade.
For the Mariners, losing Polanco leaves a gap in both their infield and designated hitter production. Seattle had hoped to re-sign him but was outbid by the Mets, forcing the club to pivot to other internal options and potential offseason targets to fill his role.
Polanco’s move to the National League represents a significant chapter in his career and marks another major offseason shift for both Seattle and New York as they prepare for the 2026 season.