Seattle Mariners set sights on Jorge Polanco with ambitious $24M bid
The Seattle Mariners have made headlines recently after securing a significant contract with first baseman Josh Naylor. With that deal in the books, all eyes are now on Jorge Polanco as the Mariners look to bolster their roster for the upcoming season. The question remains: where will Polanco fit within the team? Options abound, as he could play second base, third base, or even serve as the designated hitter.
Polanco just wrapped up a stellar season, highlighted by a career-best 134 OPS+. This impressive performance has caught the attention of Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto, who mentioned earlier in the week that discussions with Polanco are ongoing. The prospect of both parties being interested is a promising sign, yet the negotiations will ultimately hinge on financial considerations.
Negotiating the deal
After signing a modest deal last offseason, following a less-than-stellar year, the Mariners now face the challenge of determining how much they need to offer to secure Polanco’s services. Recent reports from MLB.com suggest that a two-year deal worth $24 million could be the sweet spot to keep Polanco from exploring other options.
Sources close to the situation indicate that Polanco is seeking a multiyear contract, ideally exceeding the value of the one he previously declined. Speculation has arisen that a deal similar to what the Mariners offered Mitch Garver two years ago—two years for $24 million—could be appealing to both sides.
Market dynamics and potential competition
The Hot Stove season has yet to fully heat up, making it difficult to predict when a deal for Polanco might come to fruition. Naylor’s signing marked the first significant move of the offseason, occurring earlier than many anticipated. This timing suggests that any agreement involving Polanco, whether in Seattle or elsewhere, may take time to materialize.
While the Mariners’ previous deal with Garver did not yield the desired results, it has become a point of reference for veteran players who excelled in the previous season. Although Polanco may not be coming off a World Series run like Garver, he has created his share of memorable moments in the postseason and enjoyed a standout regular season.
As the days pass and Polanco remains unsigned, the Mariners could face competition from other teams that may turn their attention to the 32-year-old switch-hitter after missing out on other high-profile targets. Currently, the Mariners are not certain who these competitors might be, but they are aware of the potential risks that come with waiting to finalize a deal.
The Mariners are poised for a competitive offseason, and securing Polanco could be a crucial step in their quest for success in the upcoming season.
