Announcement: Mariners to Extend Contract with INF Jorge Polanco
Unrestricted infielder Jorge Polanco is coming back to the Seattle Mariners, according to multiple reports.
The Athletic estimated Polanco's agreement at one year for $7.75 million, noting it incorporates a 2026 vesting option based on plate appearances in 2025.
As of Friday morning, the Mariners had not yet announced the deal, which is subject to a physical.
Polanco, who is 31 years old, had an offer from the Houston Astros, who planned to move Jose Altuve to the outfield and have Polanco play second base. However, he is expected to play third base for the Mariners.
Seattle acquired Polanco in January 2024 through a trade with the Minnesota Twins, but they declined his $12 million team option after the season.
On October 10, he underwent surgery to repair the patellar tendon in his left knee and is projected to be ready for spring training.
In 2024, the switch hitter recorded career lows with a .213 batting average, a .296 on-base percentage, and a .651 OPS in 118 games. He also had 16 home runs, 45 RBIs, and a .355 slugging percentage.
Polanco, who is from the Dominican Republic, spent his first 10 seasons with the Twins (2014-23) and was chosen for the American League All-Star team as a shortstop in 2019.
Throughout his career, he has a .263 batting average with 128 home runs, 492 RBIs, a .330 on-base percentage, a .435 slugging percentage, and a .765 OPS in 950 games.