A new defensive role for the veteran infielder
Jorge Polanco’s recorded experience at first base is limited to a single play. It happened on April 6, when Wilmer Flores of the San Francisco Giants hit a sinker with the end of his bat to right field during the ninth inning of a tied game. “As they always say, every time you enter the game, the ball finds you,” Polanco recalled Monday through a translator. “When the ball was hit, I thought it was coming right at me.” However, Flores’ hit went too far toward second base, depriving Polanco of an opportunity and giving San Francisco a walk-off victory over Seattle.
That anecdotal play could become a constant. With the signing of a two-year, $40 million contract with the New York Mets, first base is emerging as Polanco’s main position for next season, making up for the loss of slugger Pete Alonso. “I was offering my services to teams as a first baseman, second baseman, third baseman,” Polanco explained in a virtual press conference. “When the Mets asked if I could do that, play a little first, a little third, I was definitely up for it.”
Strategic adaptation and versatile value
The departure of Alonso, a fan idol and five-time All-Star selection, who signed as a free agent with the Baltimore Orioles for 155 million over five years, left a significant void in the hot corner of the diamond. Polanco, a 32-year-old switch-hitter with a .260 average against right-handed pitchers and .270 against left-handed pitchers, accepts the challenge. When asked if he anticipates being the starter at first base, he responded: “I think so… They indicated to me that he would play a good number of innings at first, but that he could also be rotating.”
Your transition doesn’t start from scratch. Although his record lists him primarily as a shortstop until 2020 and then as a second baseman until 2024, the adaptation work began last season with the Seattle Mariners. Bench coach Manny Acta and infield instructor Perry Hill approached him to prepare him for the new position. “It was very simple because I had already spoken with my agent about starting to work at first base and trying to become a more versatile player,” Polanco explained. “It was a very smooth transition.”
The offensive performance of the experienced player supports his value. In the 2024 season with Seattle, Polanco hit .265 with 26 home runs, 78 RBIs, 30 doubles and an OPS of .821 in 138 games. His best personal season dates back to 2022, when he hit 33 home runs and 98 RBIs. His athleticism, developed by running around the infield (shortstop, second, third), will be a key asset. “The biggest difference is the positioning to receive *pickoff* pitches,” he analyzed. “That was the most complex transition because it’s very different than when you’re in the middle of the infield. My athleticism will help me perform at first base.”
Simultaneous reinforcement for the bullpen
In a parallel move to strengthen the roster, the Mets announced the agreement with right-handed reliever Luke Weaver. The former New York Yankees pitcher signed a two-year, $22 million pact, subject to physicals. The team’s president of baseball operations, David Stearns, noted in a statement: “Over the past few seasons, Luke has emerged as one of the most reliable relievers in pressure situations. His repertoire, combined with his experience in high-demand environments in New York, optimally prepares him for future success.”
These acquisitions reflect a dual strategy by the Mets: covering a significant loss in the offense with a versatile player with proven production, while consolidating the relief corps with an experienced pitcher for critical situations. Polanco’s adaptation will be a crucial element to observe during the preseason, defining the team’s defensive balance for the next campaign.
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