Jorge Polanco Agrees to Two-Year, $40M Deal with Mets

The New York Mets have taken a big swing at replacing Pete Alonso’s production. They signed veteran infielder Jorge Polanco to a two-year, $40 million contract.

This isn’t just about plugging a hole at first base. The Mets are betting Polanco’s bat and adaptability can anchor a revamped lineup after a wild offseason shakeup.

Mets Move Quickly to Replace Pete Alonso’s Power

When Alonso left for the Baltimore Orioles, the Mets suddenly had a glaring hole in the middle of their order. First base became a question mark overnight.

Instead of chasing a typical replacement, they picked a guy who’s never played an inning at first in the big leagues. It’s a gutsy choice, honestly.

Jorge Polanco, 32, arrives as the Mets’ main first baseman and designated hitter. He brings infield flexibility too, if they need it.

The front office is clearly prioritizing offense and trusting the coaching staff to figure out defense on the fly. It’s modern, maybe even a little risky.

A $40 Million Bet on Offense and Versatility

Polanco’s two-year, $40 million deal shows the Mets believe in his recent offensive rebound. He’s coming off a strong season in Seattle and fits as a switch-hitting, middle-of-the-order threat.

• Contract: Two years, $40 million
• Age: 32
• Primary roles: First base and designated hitter
• Secondary roles: Occasional infield duty as needed

Polanco’s Offensive Resurgence with the Mariners

The Mets want Polanco’s bat, not his glove. In Seattle, he rebuilt his value after a rough 2024, reminding folks why he was once an All-Star.

Last year, Polanco gave the Mariners the kind of impact bat New York’s lineup has been missing.

Power, Patience, and Postseason Punch

Polanco’s 2025 season checked a lot of boxes for a contender.

• Home runs: 26
• OPS: .821
• Primary usage: Mostly as a designated hitter, some time at second base

He wasn’t just padding stats in the regular season. Polanco hit two crucial home runs off Tarik Skubal in the ALDS, showing up when it mattered most.

As a switch-hitter, Polanco brings lineup balance and flexibility for matchups. He handled both righties and lefties in 2025, actually hitting lefties a bit better, so the Mets have options when filling out the card.

From Shortstop to First Base: A New Defensive Challenge

The real intrigue here is on defense. Polanco has never played first base in the majors, not once in 12 years, but the Mets are penciling him in right away.

He’s always been seen as an average defender at his old positions. Shifting to first in his mid-30s? That’s a challenge, no doubt.

Stearns’ Positional Experiment and Kai Correa’s Task

Mets president David Stearns has done this before. In Milwaukee, he liked moving players around to get more value out of the roster.

Now he’s asking Polanco to make a late-career switch. That takes buy-in, a lot of reps, and good coaching.

Infield specialist Kai Correa and the new Mets staff have a big job ahead:

• Turn a career middle infielder into a serviceable first baseman
• Keep Polanco from becoming a defensive liability
• Use his infield experience to help him adjust faster

Polanco’s athleticism gives him a shot, but it’s no lock. His defensive numbers at second and short have slipped lately, so his value now lives in his bat, not his glove.

From Twins Prospect to Mets Cornerstone?

Polanco took a winding road to Queens. He came up through the Minnesota Twins’ system as a shortstop, a spot that demands range, instincts, and a strong arm—things he once had in spades.

He peaked in 2019, making his first and only All-Star team. By 2021, he’d moved to second base as his defensive skills changed.

Why the Mets Believe This Gamble Can Pay Off

The Mets see it pretty simply. They’re hoping to replace Alonso’s impact by committee, and Polanco is right in the middle of that plan.

• Middle-of-the-order switch-hitter who can stretch out the lineup
• Postseason-tested bat and a recent history of power
• Positional flexibility if first base isn’t quite the answer

If Polanco’s 2025 bat actually shows up in Flushing and he’s at least decent at first base, the Mets could turn a tricky post-Alonso moment into a real strength.

Right now, the Mets want everyone to know they’re not backing down after losing Alonso. They’re reshaping, maybe even reinventing a bit. And honestly, Jorge Polanco sits right at the center of that new vibe.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Jorge Polanco agrees to two-year, $40 million deal with the Mets: Sources