Jorge Polanco Leads Mariners Toward Hollywood Ending in ALCS

Jorge Polanco’s resurgence has become the heartbeat of the Seattle Mariners’ playoff run. He’s propelled them to a 2-0 lead over the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2025 ALCS.

After years of knee injuries and setbacks, Polanco’s journey now reads like a blend of resilience, skill, and timing. His three-run blast in Game 2 locked up a 10-3 win and fired up fans and teammates alike. People around the clubhouse have started calling him “George Bonds.”

From Injury Setbacks to a Career Revival

Polanco’s climb to the top of the Mariners’ postseason box scores started with adversity. He spent years battling knee issues and went through offseason surgery before the 2024 campaign.

The 32-year-old second baseman re-signed with Seattle on a modest one-year, $7.75 million deal. He wanted to prove he still had plenty left in the tank.

Turning Rehabilitation Into Redemption

Polanco’s transformation has been striking. He used to be a contact hitter with the Minnesota Twins, but he’s turned himself into a pull-side power threat.

This season, he smashed 23 of his 26 regular-season home runs to his pull side. Pitchers and defenses have had almost no margin for error. Manager Dan Wilson openly praises Polanco’s short, efficient swing, which now drives hard contact deep into the gaps and over the fences.

Postseason Power Surge

What really sets Polanco apart this October is his knack for delivering in high-pressure moments.

Signature Moments on the Biggest Stage

His playoff heroics took off in the Division Series. He took Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal deep twice in clutch spots.

He followed that up with a string of game-winning hits, including some in elimination games. Now, he’s led the Mariners to back-to-back ALCS wins over Toronto.

In Game 2 against the Blue Jays, his three-run homer sealed the 10-3 victory. The “George Bonds” nickname caught on fast in the clubhouse, a nod to his new long-ball reputation.

Leadership and Clubhouse Impact

Polanco’s composure has helped guide the Mariners through rough patches. Seattle struggled through a tough August but found its groove late, winning the AL West with Polanco’s steady hand leading the way.

Respected by Teammates

Key teammates like J.P. Crawford and Cal Raleigh have publicly credited Polanco for his influence. His calm presence and timely hitting gave the team a needed spark heading into October.

Whether he’s giving a dugout pep talk or coming through in a clutch at-bat, Polanco holds the Mariners’ playoff hopes together.

Seattle’s Historic Quest

The stakes are even higher when you remember this: the Mariners are still the only MLB franchise that’s never reached a World Series.

Two Wins from a Pennant

Now, with Seattle just two wins away from its first pennant in franchise history, Polanco’s performances have the potential to define a generation of Mariners baseball.

His combination of health, mechanical tweaks, and confidence has turned him into the face of a postseason that could reset the club’s legacy.

As October drama unfolds, Polanco’s story checks all the boxes for a classic baseball narrative:

• Overcoming adversity through injury rehab and sheer mental grit.
• Adapting skill sets—shifting from a contact hitter to a real power threat.
• Delivering in clutch moments when everything’s on the line.
• Leading by example and sparking a clubhouse during this wild, historic run.

For fans craving a hero in navy and teal, “George Bonds” is delivering exactly that.

With his next at-bat, Polanco will keep writing his chapter in Seattle’s baseball history. Who knows—if this postseason is any sign, that chapter might finally say “American League Champions.”

 
Here is the source article for this story: Passan: Jorge Polanco has the Mariners on the way to a Hollywood ending