Introduction
In the ever-evolving landscape of Major League Baseball, player movement and roster rejigs often spark waves of debate among fans and analysts alike. One such headline this winter has been the New York Mets signing of veteran infielder Jorge Polanco, a player with a long, intriguing career defined by versatility at the plate, varied defensive performance, and consistent offensive production. In this full deep-dive, we’ll explore Polanco’s position history, defensive profile, Baseball Reference statistics, and what his arrival in Queens could mean for the Mets’ 2026 campaign.
Who is Jorge Polanco?
Jorge Luis Polanco, born July 5, 1993 in San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic, is a veteran switch-hitting infielder with a lengthy MLB résumé. Polanco made his major league debut in 2014 at age 20 with the Minnesota Twins and established himself as a reliable offensive contributor over the next decade.
Standing 6-feet tall and 208 pounds, he projects the profile of a durable everyday player who can offer pop in the lineup and positional flexibility on the diamond.
Position History: Where Has Polanco Played?
Primary Infield Roles
The bulk of Polanco’s career has been spent as a middle infielder, including:
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Shortstop
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Second Base
According to Baseball-Reference, these have been his predominant positions through 2025.
This versatile background means Polanco has experience at two of the most demanding infield spots in baseball. In Minnesota and later with the Seattle Mariners, he split time primarily between shortstop and second base before his latest move.
New Role: First Base / Designated Hitter with the Mets
In December 2025, Polanco agreed to a two-year, $40 million contract with the New York Mets. Reports confirm the Mets *intend to use him primarily at first base and as the designated hitter (DH) — roles he has virtually no MLB experience at.
Polanco has only appeared once at first base in his entire career, on a single defensive play in 2025 — a quirk that has become a talking point among fans and analysts.
Defense: Strengths and Weaknesses
Defense has long been a mixed bag for Polanco.
Defensive Metrics
While baseball’s defensive stats fluctuate by metric and context, available data suggests Polanco has rarely graded as an elite defender, especially in recent seasons.
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During his 2025 season with the Mariners, Polanco’s defensive output was below average at second base, and he spent a significant portion of the season as a designated hitter — reflecting a decreased role in the field.
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His historical defensive reputation includes struggles at advanced defensive tracking metrics, particularly at shortstop early in his career.
Transition to First Base
The Mets’ plan to install Polanco at first base introduces an unusual dynamic: this is not a traditional defensive home for a player coming off a career as a middle infielder. Yet first base can sometimes be a less demanding spot for a player with superior offensive value.
Mets management appears willing to gamble that Polanco’s athleticism and prior experience across the infield can translate with proper coaching — even if he lacks traditional first base reps.
Baseball Reference Stats: The Numbers Behind the Player
Baseball-Reference provides a comprehensive statistical snapshot of Polanco’s career. According to his official page:
Career Totals (Through 2025)
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Games Played: 1,088
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Hits: 1,063
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Home Runs: 154
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Batting Average: .263
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Career OPS: .771
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Switch-Hitter (bats both, throws right)
2025 Season Highlights
In 2025 with the Mariners:
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AVG: .265
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HR: 26
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RBI: 78
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OPS: .821
This performance marked one of his stronger offensive campaigns, especially in power production and runs driven in.
These numbers helped cement his value on the free agent market, convincing the Mets that his bat still plays at a high level despite defensive concerns and positional transitions.
Polanco’s Role on the 2026 Mets
Offense First
Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has emphasized a desire to improve the team’s offensive consistency while also addressing defensive concerns from their disappointing 2025 season. Polanco’s bat — particularly his ability to hit left-handed pitching and produce occasional power — fits into that strategy.
At age 32, Polanco brings veteran presence and clubhouse stability to a Mets group that saw several departures in the offseason, including fan-favorite slugger Pete Alonso.
Defensive Expectations and Fit
Even though Polanco’s defense may not be elite, moving him to positions with less range demand (like first base or DH) could mitigate his defensive limitations. Added to this, the Mets have concurrently made other moves to shore up infield defense, such as acquiring elite defender Marcus Semien, who can strengthen the keystone.
What Analysts Are Saying
Analysts are mixed on how effective this signing will be:
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Some see Polanco as a solid veteran upgrade and a piece of a broader “mosaic” of roster moves aimed at balancing offensive production and cost-effective contracts.
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Others highlight the defensive downgrade and the unusual choice to install a middle infielder (with minimal experience at first) into a new defensive role.
But regardless of viewpoint, Polanco’s signing is seen as one of several key moves shaping the Mets’ offseason narrative.
Career Achievements
Though Polanco hasn’t captured a World Series title, he has notable career accomplishments that include:
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MLB All-Star Selection
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Multiple seasons with double-digit home runs
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Decade of sustained offensive production
His longevity and steady offensive presence have made him a respected name among fans and peers alike.
FAQs About Jorge Polanco
Q1: What positions has Jorge Polanco played?
A: Polanco has primarily played shortstop and second base throughout his career and is expected to take on first base and DH duties with the Mets — positions he has little MLB experience in.
Q2: How has Polanco’s defense been rated?
A: Polanco’s defense has traditionally been below average at times, and recent metrics show defensive struggles, especially at second base. However, his offensive value helps balance this.
Q3: What are Polanco’s career batting stats?
A: Through 2025, Polanco owns a .263 batting average, 154 home runs, and over 1,000 career hits with a cumulative OPS close to league norms.
Q4: What contract did Polanco sign with the Mets?
A: Polanco signed a two-year, $40 million deal with the Mets, becoming one of their major offseason acquisitions.
Q5: How will Polanco’s role affect the Mets?
A: Polanco adds offensive depth and veteran presence, though questions remain about his defensive fit — especially at first base. The Mets are betting his bat and experience will lift a lineup that underwent significant changes this offseason.
Conclusion
Jorge Polanco’s move to the New York Mets is one of the defining storylines of the 2025–26 MLB offseason. With rich infield experience, noteworthy offensive production, and a unique defensive transition ahead, Polanco is poised to play a meaningful role in the Mets’ next chapter. Whether he justifies the fanfare or faces hurdles adapting to a new defensive role, his journey remains a compelling blend of adaptability, performance, and perseverance that reflects the modern baseball landscape.
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