One free agent who has been on the market way too long is Jorge Polanco. The New York Yankees could hit the lottery if they can swing a deal to lock up the big-bat infielder.
Free Agent Could Bring Value to the Yankees Lineup
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman and his front office are under pressure to improve this team. The divisional rival Blue Jays are making splashes in the market, while the Bronx Bombers are stagnant.
The Yankees may have a wide range of options in Polanco this offseason. They’d better hurry before the free agent infielder decides to return to his home team. Polanco played for the Seattle Mariners in the 2025 season.
The infielder has 12 years of Major League service and is an extremely valuable player both offensively and defensively. He was an international signee of the Minnesota Twins from the Dominican Republic.
Polanco played 10 years in Minnesota and two years with the Mariners. It is easy to say he was a factor in the Mariners’ postseason run, which ended in the American League Championship Series.
Polanco Has Shown His Versatility and Value
The infielder is not a Cal Raleigh; he’s everything a team would want, all in one. This is what made the Mariners so competitive. Polanco was what made his team stealthy and streaky at the plate.
He slashed a .265/.326/.495 in the regular season in 2025. Polanco finished with 125 hits, 30 extra-base hits, 78 RBIs, and 26 home runs. The former Mariners second baseman covers a lot of the zone, making it hard for pitchers to pitch to hit.
You have to worry about the long ball as well as the gap-to-gap contact ability with Polanco. Hitting with runners on base is where he becomes dangerous, as he can move guys on the pads and drive in runs.
His hitting is very streaky, with good, solid contact and the ability to find the holes. Polanco has a 45.8% hard-hit rate with a 34.3% sweet-spot percentage, getting the bat head on the ball. In 2025, he recorded a 10.3% barrel percentage, his second career-high.
Polanco is very aggressive at the plate and works on all pitch options, not just the fastball. He has good pitch recognition and draws half of the walks versus strikeouts.
In the 2025 postseason, he finished with an impressive .417 slugging percentage. Polanco recorded 10 hits, three home runs, and eight RBIs.
Where Would He Fit?
He would be the Yankees’ second baseman, platooning with Jazz Chisholm Jr, and potentially pushing Chisholm Jr to third base. Chisholm Jr. would then platoon with Ryan McMahon.
Polanco could also work at shortstop and the designated hitter role if needed. The switch-hitter would slot in the 5th or 6th spot in the batting order.
Polanco would be a great addition to improve the overall lineup versatility and add some aggressive approaches to the squad.
The club would have to act quickly, as the switch-hitter has been on the market for some time. He’s expected to re-sign with the Mariners if nothing comes between that plan. The Yankees would likely need to make room for him on the active roster, possibly by dealing another infielder.
Main Photo Credits: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
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