David Stearns and the New York Mets made their first major offensive improvement of the offseason by signing Jorge Polanco. Polanco and the Mets are in agreement on a two-year, $40 million contract, first reported by Will Sammon of The Athletic. The signing comes in the wake of a free agent exodus from the Mets, with Edwin Díaz and Pete Alonso both signing elsewhere this past week.
Report: Mets Sign Jorge Polanco to Two-Year Deal
Polanco, most recently a utility man with the Seattle Mariners, is coming off a career season, hitting .265 in 138 games, along with 26 home runs, 78 RBI, and a .826 OPS. In 2025, he appeared in 87 games as a designated hitter, 34 games at second base, five games at third base, and one game at first base. He also delivered several clutch moments during Seattle’s playoff run, including a walk-off single in Game 5 of the American League Division Series against the Detroit Tigers and a key three-run home run in Game 2 of the ALCS. The Mariners lost that hard-fought seven-game series to the Toronto Blue Jays.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that Polanco is likely to serve as the Mets’ designated hitter or first baseman for the 2026 season, providing the team with a significant upgrade. During the 2025 season, the Mets frequently used Jesse Winker at DH, where he produced below-average numbers at a pivotal offensive position.
Infielder Jorge Polanco and the New York Mets are in agreement on a two-year, $40 million contract, sources tell ESPN. He is expected to play first base and DH.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 13, 2025
This move likely signals that Jeff McNeil is on the move. The Mets’ longest-tenured player offers similar defensive versatility to Polanco but provides only one plus offensive tool relative to his contract.
Polanco is not an elite defender, posting a minus-10 Outs Above Average, the worst mark among all active second basemen last season. However, his ability to play multiple positions still gives David Stearns flexibility as he continues to reshape the roster.
Main Photo Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images
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