NEW YORK — Less than 24 hours after watching franchise cornerstones Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz depart for new teams, the New York Mets moved swiftly to reshape their roster, agreeing to terms with free-agent infielder Jorge Polanco on a two-year contract, according to a source familiar with the deal.
While the Mets have not officially announced the signing, multiple reports — including confirmation from MLB Network insider Jon Heyman — indicate the agreement is worth $40 million over two seasons. MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo was the first to report the deal, marking one of the Mets’ most significant moves of the offseason to date.
Polanco, 32, is expected to play multiple positions for New York, though he will primarily see time at first base and designated hitter, per Heyman. The Mets’ infield alignment already features Francisco Lindor entrenched at shortstop and Marcus Semien, acquired earlier this offseason from the Texas Rangers in the Brandon Nimmo trade, at second base.
The addition of Polanco signals both a commitment to immediate contention and a strategic pivot following the departures of Alonso and Díaz, two players who defined the Mets’ identity for much of the past decade.
A Swift Response to Major Departures
The Mets entered the weekend reeling from the loss of Alonso and Díaz, longtime cornerstones whose exits left glaring questions about the team’s offensive firepower and leadership. By targeting Polanco, New York addressed both concerns in one move.
While Polanco does not replace Alonso’s pure power or Díaz’s late-inning dominance, he brings versatility, postseason pedigree, and a switch-hitting bat capable of lengthening the lineup. The deal also reflects the Mets’ desire to remain competitive in a National League landscape that continues to grow more unforgiving.
A Career Revival in 2025
Polanco’s path to Queens has been anything but linear. After a disappointing debut season with the Seattle Mariners in 2024, many around the league questioned whether his best years were behind him. That skepticism vanished in 2025.
The veteran infielder posted his strongest offensive season since 2021, slashing .265/.326/.495 with an .821 OPS, 26 home runs, and 78 RBIs. His resurgence was marked by streaks of dominance that reminded evaluators of the All-Star-caliber player he once was with the Minnesota Twins.
Polanco exploded out of the gate, launching nine home runs by the end of April and carrying an OPS north of 1.000 well into mid-May. Though he endured a midseason slump, he regained his form down the stretch, finishing September with a blistering .329 average and a 1.015 OPS.
October Legend in Seattle
What truly elevated Polanco’s value on the open market, however, was his unforgettable postseason run.
When the Mariners reached the playoffs, Polanco became the heartbeat of their October success. In the American League Division Series, he tormented Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, blasting two home runs in Game 2 to swing momentum in Seattle’s favor.
Then came his defining moment: a walk-off hit in Game 5 that sent the Mariners to the American League Championship Series, igniting T-Mobile Park and etching Polanco’s name into franchise lore.
His heroics continued in the ALCS. Polanco drove in two runs in Game 1, then delivered a go-ahead three-run homer in Game 2, helping Seattle seize a commanding 2–0 lead in the series.
For a Mets organization that has often been haunted by postseason disappointment, Polanco’s October résumé was impossible to ignore.
Defensive Questions, Offensive Answers
Despite the offensive renaissance, Polanco’s defensive performance remains a point of discussion. In his first season with Seattle in 2024, he struggled mightily at second base, posting a –10 Outs Above Average, the worst mark among 37 qualified players at the position.
That season saw Polanco bat just .213 with a .651 OPS, including a paltry .606 OPS at home, raising concerns about his fit in the Mariners’ ballpark and his long-term defensive viability.
Those struggles played a role in Seattle’s decision not to extend a qualifying offer, allowing Polanco to enter free agency without draft-pick compensation attached — a key factor in making him attractive to the Mets.
New York’s plan to limit his defensive responsibilities by shifting him to first base and designated hitter suggests the club is focused on maximizing his offensive output while minimizing risk in the field.
A Fit in the Mets’ New Identity
With Lindor anchoring shortstop and Semien manning second base, Polanco’s positional flexibility provides manager and front office alike with options. He can slot into the middle of the order, protect Lindor, and offer balance as a switch-hitter capable of punishing both right- and left-handed pitching.
Just as importantly, Polanco brings postseason experience and clubhouse maturity to a roster undergoing transition. Having played key roles in playoff runs with both the Twins and Mariners, he offers perspective to a Mets team eager to shed its reputation for underachievement.
Financial Context and Risk Assessment
At $20 million per year, the Mets are paying for recent performance rather than past accolades. The deal reflects confidence that Polanco’s 2025 resurgence is sustainable, not a fleeting hot streak.
The relatively short length of the contract limits long-term risk, while the absence of draft-pick penalties adds value. If Polanco continues to hit as he did last season, the contract could prove to be a bargain. If regression sets in, the Mets are not tied down beyond two years.
What Comes Next for New York
Polanco’s signing likely represents only one piece of a broader offseason puzzle. With Alonso and Díaz gone, the Mets still have holes to fill — particularly in power production and late-inning relief.
Still, the move sends a clear message: New York is not rebuilding. Instead, the Mets are recalibrating, blending star power with experienced, high-impact veterans capable of delivering when it matters most.
For Jorge Polanco, the deal represents both validation and opportunity — a chance to build on a career-defining postseason and help stabilise one of baseball’s most scrutinized franchises.
For the Mets, it is a calculated bet that October excellence can translate to sustained success in Queens.
