Mariners' loss of Jorge Polanco to $40M Mets contract looks better by the day

The Mariners aren't doing well, and following their record-breaking 22-0 loss to the Brewers, it's hard to find much optimism about their postseason chances. But, even in the middle of a miserable stretch, there is a silver lining to be found. For Seattle, that silver lining just so happens to be the departure of someone that, at one point, the organization desperately hoped to hang onto: Jorge Polanco.

At the end of last season, the Mariners clubhouse was reportedly pushing for Polanco to return to the Pacific Northwest. Despite an injury-riddled 2024 season, Polanco bounced back in 2025 with 26 home runs, posting a 132 wRC+ as the primary designated hitter for the M's. He became an important piece of Seattle's lineup during their postseason run. So much so that he was considered a part of the core group that the Mariners wanted to keep together heading into the 2026 season.

As is the case in life and baseball, things don't always go according to plan. In December 2025 Polanco left the Pacific Northwest and signed with the New York Mets on a two-year, $40 million deal. The move also brought Polanco closer to his father, making the decision even more understandable from a personal standpoint. At the time, however, losing Polanco felt like a major blow to a Mariners lineup that was already facing plenty of uncertainty.

Jorge Polanco's move to New York hasn't worked out for either side

As it turns out, Seattle may have gotten lucky. Polanco hasn't just failed to replicate his 2025 production in New York. He has been one of the worst-performing players in baseball, ranking at the very bottom of the League in WAR. Among players with at least 100 plate appearances, Polanco's batting average somehow falls below that of Cal Raleigh. Even worse, his wRC+ coming in below Rob Refsnyder's.

Embarrassing? Absolutely. As embarrassing as getting shut out 22-0? Debatable.

Anyhow, the situation only got worse for Polanco as the season progressed. An ankle/Achilles issue limited him to just 37 games before shutting him down entirely for the remainder of the season. According to Mets interim Manager Andy Green, Polanco will undergo season-ending surgery on his left ankle. He ends the season with a .148/.201/.230 slash line after missing time due to ongoing wrist and ankle injuries.

The expectation is that Polanco will be ready to return to the plate by the start of spring training, but even if he returns healthy, it's fair to wonder if the Mets will ever see the 2025 version of Jorge Bonds that the Mariners relied so heavily on.

While Seattle certainly could have used another productive bat this season, Polanco's struggles at the plate make the decision to let him walk look much better in hindsight. In fact, it's a clear positive for an otherwise brutal season. They may have wanted Polanco back, but instead, they watched as the Mets spent $40 million on a player who struggled to stay healthy, and now, won't even be able to finish the season.

Of course there is no guarantee that Polanco won't bounce back in 2027. But for now, the Mariners can look at their former No. 7 and feel OK about the decision they made.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow