Jorge CastilloDec 13, 2025, 12:08 PM ETCloseESPN baseball reporter. Covered the Washington Wizards from 2014 to 2016 and the Washington Nationals from 2016 to 2018 for The Washington Post before covering the Los Angeles Dodgers and MLB for the Los Angeles Times from 2018 to 2024.Follow on X
The New York Mets and infielder Jorge Polanco are in agreement on a two-year, $40 million contract, sources told ESPN on Saturday, as the club pivots away from a transformational week following the losses of Edwin Diaz and Pete Alonso in free agency.
Polanco’s deal, which is pending a physical, does not include an opt-out or deferred money, according to a source. The 12-year veteran sought a three-year deal in free agency but couldn’t find one, settling for a two-year pact with a high annual average value.
Polanco, 32, is expected to primarily play first base, replacing Alonso, and also serve as designated hitter, though he gives New York infield insurance around the diamond. Polanco was a shortstop to begin his major league career with the Minnesota Twins before transitioning to mainly second base and designated hitter with the Seattle Mariners over the past two seasons. Polanco has yet to log an inning at first base at the major league level.
Other options at first base and designated hitter for the Mets include Jeff McNeil and Mark Vientos. But that could change with McNeil available for trade, according to sources, and the Mets expected to continue making moves as Stearns overhauls a roster that fell well short of expectations last season.
CloseESPN baseball reporter. Covered the Washington Wizards from 2014 to 2016 and the Washington Nationals from 2016 to 2018 for The Washington Post before covering the Los Angeles Dodgers and MLB for the Los Angeles Times from 2018 to 2024.Follow on X
Jorge Polanco breaks the tie with 3-run HR (0:45)Jorge Polanco hits a go-ahead home run in the fifth inning to put the Mariners on top 6-3. (0:45)