Jorge Polanco boasts a background from the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
As a seasoned power hitter, he’s anticipated to take on roles primarily as a first baseman and designated hitter. There are whispers, according to Jon Heyman, that he might step in as a sort of replacement for Pete Alonso, also shifting between various infield positions. But here’s the catch: Polanco has only made a handful of appearances at first base throughout his 12-year career in the majors.
Interestingly, it wasn’t part of a grand plan. Back on April 6th last season, during a game against the Giants, Polanco jumped in with two outs in the ninth after the Mariners’ Victor Robles ended up dislocating his shoulder while diving into the net at Oracle Park.
As a result, Dylan Moore shifted from first to third base, while Miles Mastrobuoni moved from third to right, creating an opportunity for Polanco to make his MLB debut at first. Unfortunately, right after he stepped in, Giants pitcher Wilmer Flores hit a walk-off single, cutting his first base experience short.
This appearance, while his only one at first, is notable when you consider he has played hundreds of games at shortstop and second base, not to mention 29 games at third base. Overall, last season, Polanco primarily filled the designated hitter role, with 39 games at second, a few at third, and that singular emergency spot at first.
Now, with Alonso—who participated in all 160 games last season—now in Baltimore, the Mets will probably depend on Polanco more at first base.
Recently relocated to Queens with a two-year, $40 million contract, Polanco is expected to address a critical gap in the Mets’ lineup. In 2025, he posted a .265 batting average, with a .326 on-base percentage and .495 slugging, alongside 26 home runs while playing for the Mariners.
