The New York Mets have agreed to a two-year, $40 million contract with switch-hitting infielder Jorge Polanco, who is departing the Seattle Mariners after a resurgent 2025 season. Polanco is expected to fill the first base role vacated by Pete Alonso's departure to the Orioles. The signing comes amid roster reshaping for the Mets following losses of key players like Edwin Díaz and Brandon Nimmo.
Jorge Polanco, a 32-year-old veteran with 12 MLB seasons, has reportedly agreed to terms on a two-year, $40 million deal with the New York Mets, according to multiple sources including MLB.com and ESPN. The contract, pending official announcement, marks Polanco's move from the Seattle Mariners, where he declined a $6 million player option after a strong 2025 campaign.
In 2025, Polanco rebounded from a disappointing 2024 debut with Seattle, posting a .265/.326/.495 slash line, 26 home runs, 78 RBIs, and an .821 OPS over 138 games. He primarily served as the Mariners' designated hitter (87 starts), with additional time at second base (34 starts) and third base (five starts). His postseason performance was notable: Polanco homered twice off Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal in Game 2 of the ALDS, delivered a walk-off hit in Game 5 to advance Seattle, and contributed key RBIs in the ALCS against the Toronto Blue Jays, including a go-ahead three-run homer in Game 2.
For the Mets, who finished 2025 with 83 wins and missed the playoffs, Polanco addresses the void at first base left by Pete Alonso's five-year, $155 million signing with the Baltimore Orioles. Despite limited experience there—only one Major League batter faced—Polanco's versatility will see him split time between first base, DH, and possibly other infield spots. The projected Mets infield includes Polanco at first, Marcus Semien at second, Francisco Lindor at shortstop, and Brett Baty at third.
The Mariners, who went deep into the playoffs in 2025, matched the Mets' offer length but not the financial terms. Seattle president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto had indicated negotiations were at a tipping point, stating, "I can't tell you whether or not we will wind up being the team that reels him in... But we also have to spread a wider net than that." Polanco was reportedly torn, influenced by the higher salary and proximity to his father in New York. Seattle now eyes alternatives like St. Louis' Brendan Donovan to fill their infield need, having already re-signed Josh Naylor to a five-year, $92.5 million deal.