Why Jorge Polanco’s Clutch Hitting Fuels Mariners Playoff Success

The Seattle Mariners are on the brink of something special. They’re just two wins from the American League pennant and six away from their first World Series title.

Most of the spotlight shines on Cal Raleigh, Julio Rodríguez, and that fierce pitching rotation. But there’s another name that’s been quietly shaping October for Seattle — Jorge Polanco. Outside of the Pacific Northwest, Polanco often flies under the radar, but his clutch at-bats and steady play have been crucial all year. He’s even making a case as a sneaky ALCS MVP pick.

Jorge Polanco’s Impact Goes Beyond the Box Score

With so many stars in the lineup, it’s easy to overlook the steady guy. But Polanco just keeps showing up when it matters most.

There’s data to back it up. FanGraphs says Polanco led the league in clutch hitting with a +1.76 Clutch Factor. That’s better than Freddie Freeman, Bo Bichette, and Gunnar Henderson — all guys known for delivering in big moments.

Seattle’s been searching for players who don’t wilt under postseason pressure. With Polanco, they’ve finally got one who seems to thrive in the chaos.

Regular Season Consistency

Polanco’s reputation as an “unsung hero” really started to stick during the 2024 regular season. He played in 138 games and put up some solid stats:

• 26 home runs
• 78 RBIs
• .821 OPS
• 125 hits

If he’d played all 162 games, maybe he’d have challenged Julio Rodríguez for the team’s hit lead. He brings a balanced approach — some power, some contact, and patience at the plate — and that makes this lineup deeper and tougher to pitch to.

Polanco’s Postseason Surge

Sometimes, regular season success just doesn’t carry over to October. But Polanco’s showing he’s built for the playoffs, too.

Through seven postseason games, he’s got:

• 8 hits
• 3 home runs
• .258 batting average
• .851 OPS

He’s helped keep the Mariners’ offense moving, especially when the pressure’s highest. In the ALCS, where every at-bat feels like it could swing things, Polanco’s experience and calm have given Seattle a real lift.

ALCS MVP Potential

If Polanco keeps this up, he’s right in the mix for ALCS MVP honors. The big names usually get the buzz, but these awards often go to the player who steps up when it counts.

With his knack for driving in runs and changing the game’s energy, Polanco’s got a real shot at that trophy.

Seattle’s Path to the Pennant

Right now, the Mariners lead the ALCS and could soon be up 3-0 against the Toronto Blue Jays. Game 3 features George Kirby taking the hill for Seattle, facing Toronto’s Shane Bieber.

This pitching matchup could set the tone for the rest of the series. If Seattle wins, they’ll be a single victory away from the pennant and could even rest some pitchers for the World Series.

Plenty of baseball fans are hoping Seattle finally gets its championship moment. With the way things are going, maybe this is the year the city’s been waiting for.

The Mariners’ X-Factor

The Mariners have plenty of talent, but Polanco’s role really highlights something about playoff baseball. Stars grab the spotlight, sure, but it’s often the players who thrive under pressure who actually tilt the scales.

Julio Rodríguez might get all the attention as the face of the franchise. Still, Jorge Polanco’s knack for clutch hits and his steady presence have kept Seattle moving forward.

With Game 3 coming up, one thing feels certain. If the Mariners pull off something special this season, Jorge Polanco’s name will be right there in the story—a guy who quietly, but firmly, helped push them toward baseball’s biggest stage.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Why Jorge Polanco’s clutch playoff hitting is not a surprise