Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported on Monday night that the Seattle Mariners and the Minnesota Twins are in agreement on a deal that would send Jorge Polanco to the Mariners.
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Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that the Twins will receive four players in return, two major leaguers and two minor leaguers. Dan Hayes of The Athletic cleared up some of the details as he reported that reliever Justin Topa, veteran starter Anthony DeSclafani, and top-100 outfield prospect Gabriel González are among those heading to Minnesota. Rosenthal also noted that Seattle would send over cash to help offset DeSclafani’s $12 million price tag for the 2024 season. Kiley McDaniel of ESPN finally reported that the last player going to Minnesota would be RHP Darren Bowen.
Polanco, who has been with the Twins since his debut in 2014, has battled the injury bug throughout his career, and that plagued him yet again in 2023. Despite missing time due to ankle, knee, and hamstring injuries, Polanco has proven himself to be an above-average hitter, putting up a 115 OPS+ in just 80 games last season. While he is not an excellent glove, Seattle is getting a guy who can play all around the infield and give you solid production from the plate.
Earlier this off-season, the Twins picked up the middle infielder’s club option for $10.5 million, and the Mariners will have the ability to pick up a club option for 2025 if they would like to keep Polanco beyond the 2024 season. This is one of many trades the Mariners have swung this off-season as they try to rebuild their roster in an attempt to contend while spending minimal money.
