Jorge Polanco

Age: 33 (7/5/93) B/T: S/R

Primary Stats: .148/.201/.230/.431, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 5 2B, 7 R, 20 H, 9 BB, 36 SO, 37 G, 145 PA

Advanced Stats: -1.4 fWAR, -1.4 bWAR, 21 OPS+, 20 wRC+, 24.8 K%, 6.2 BB%, .186 BABIP, .234 xwOBA

2026 salary: $20 million

Grade: F

Review

Jorge Polanco was a huge disappointment and his failures were magnified because he was brought in as a major part of the plan to replace Pete Alonso at first base. He only played the first two games of the year there.

Polanco hit one homer in 14 games and went to the injured list with a bruised right wrist and a .179/.246/.286 slash line on April 18. While on the injured list it was revealed that he was also dealing with bursitis in his left Achilles. He was out nearly three months.

When he returned to the majors in July, he went 4-for-48 that month with 16 strikeouts and after nine games in August he was placed on the injured list with an ankle injury that required season-ending surgery.

“Just my observation from seeing him through the years and watching him hit and watching him produce, I do think (the Achilles injury) has affected him mechanically,” manger Andy Green said on August 19. “I don’t think he’s one to make excuses, so I’m not sure if he’ll even say that. But I do think it is something that has impacted him. And he’s tried to grind and it’s just not happening.”

Polanco finished the year tied with Noelvi Marte of the Reds and Ha-Seong Kim of the Braves for the worst fWAR in baseball. It was a year to forget for the 33-year-old veteran.

2027 Preview

Green said Polanco should be ready to participate in baseball activities by spring training, assuming it begins on time. Polanco is due $20 million again next season before becoming a free agent.

In 2025, Polanco hit 26 homers for Seattle and posted an .821 OPS over 138 games. A return to that form would be a welcome surprise. Polanco has been placed on the injured list six times since 2018 with back and left knee problems and strains to both hamstrings. The Mets should plan as if he won’t be available (or effective) and consider it a bonus if he provides any value.