Jorge Polanco is set to take on a new role with the New York Mets after signing a $40 million, two-year contract. The versatile player, who has primarily played shortstop and second base in his career, expressed his willingness to transition to first base during a news conference held via Zoom on March 11, 2024.
During the conference, Polanco confirmed that the Mets informed him he would spend a significant amount of time at first base but also indicated he would be flexible in other positions. “I was offering my services to teams as a first baseman, second baseman, third baseman, so when the Mets asked if I was able to do that, I was definitely willing to do that,” he stated.
The signing comes as the Mets look to fill the void left by fan favorite Pete Alonso, who departed the team for a $155 million, five-year contract with the Baltimore Orioles. Polanco, who played for the Seattle Mariners last season, brings a wealth of experience to the Mets. He started mostly as a designated hitter in 2023 and has a history of strong performances, including a breakout year in 2022 when he hit 33 home runs and recorded 98 RBIs.
Polanco’s Journey and Adaptability
Polanco’s experience at first base is limited to one pitch, a moment that did not end favorably for the Mariners when San Francisco’s Wilmer Flores hit a game-winning ball that was out of reach. Reflecting on that experience, he noted, “It’s just like they always say, whenever you come into the game, the ball always finds you.”
Despite his lack of extensive experience at first base, Polanco’s adaptability and athleticism are assets that he believes will aid in his transition. He remarked that discussions with Mariners coaches about preparing for first base were timely, as he had already been considering the move. “It was very easy because I had already spoken to my agent about starting to work out at first and trying to become a more versatile baseball player,” he explained.
Polanco’s statistics from the previous season illustrate his potential impact: he played 138 games, achieving a batting average of .265, along with 26 home runs, 78 RBIs, and an OPS of .821.
Future Expectations with the Mets
As he prepares for the upcoming season, Polanco is focused on honing his skills at first base. He highlighted that one of the most significant adjustments involves the position taken to receive pickoffs, which differs greatly from his previous infield roles. “The biggest difference is the position that you get into to receive pickoffs. That was the toughest transition for me,” he noted.
With his extensive experience in various positions, Polanco believes his athleticism will facilitate this transition. The Mets are counting on his versatility to enhance their lineup and fill the gap left by Alonso. As Polanco embarks on this new chapter, both he and the Mets are optimistic about the potential for success in the 2024 season.
