Minnesota Twins second baseman Jorge Polanco throws out Houston Astros’ Kyle Tucker at first to end the sixth inning of Game 3 of an American League Division Series baseball game, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhorn)
The Pittsburgh Pirates were interested in free agent infielder Jorge Polanco but he’s signing a two-year, $40 million with the New York Mets, according to Will Sammon of The Athletic and ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
Polanco, 32, is fresh off a strong bounce-back season with Seattle in which he held lead the Mariners to the ALCS. In 138 games, he hit .265 with an .821 OPS, 30 doubles, 26 home runs and 78 RBI. In 12 seasons between the Mariners and Minnesota Twins, Polanco has a .263/.330/.442 batting line with 222 doubles, 20 triples, 154 home runs and 570 RBI in 1,088 games.
It was reported earlier in the offseason by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic that Polanco, who has been to the playoffs five times in the last nine seasons, was focused on joining a winning team. The Mets, though they missed out on the playoffs in 2025, are viewed as more of a contender than the Pirates.
It’s the second free agent this offseason the Pirates had heavy interest in but were unable to sign. The Pirates made a competitive offer to designated hitter Kyle Schwarber before he re-signed with the Philadelphia Phillies.
The Pirates are focused on adding to the lineup this offseason but have so far only acquired top 100 prospect Jhostynxon GarcÃa from the Boston Red Sox in a trade for Johan Oviedo.
The list of other free agents the Pirates have been linked to this offseason are Kazuma Okamoto from Japan, and 2025 All-Star Ryan O’Hearn.
The Pirates also have interest in numerous trade targets, including Jeff McNeil of the New York Mets. By signing Polanco, the Mets could look to move McNeil considering both players are primary second basemen. Even though the reports are Polanco will play first base and DH for New York.
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