Adding Depth and Power to the Lineup
The Seattle Mariners have made a significant move to strengthen their infield by acquiring Jorge Polanco from the Minnesota Twins. Polanco, a switch-hitter, will bring versatility and power to a team looking to compete in the tough AL West.
A Welcome Addition to the Mariners
Polanco joins a talented Mariners infield that already features Ty France and J.P. Crawford. His ability to switch-hit will provide an added advantage to the lineup, which could benefit from more All-Star talent.
A New Chapter for Polanco
After spending all 10 years of his career with the Twins, Polanco’s contract was nearing its end. The Twins found a suitor in the Mariners who offered a good price for the infielder. Now, Polanco will be under contract with the Mariners for the upcoming 2024 season, with a club option for 2025.
Impressive Track Record
Polanco’s lone All-Star appearance came in 2019 when he displayed his prowess at the plate, slashing .295/.356/.485 with 22 home runs and 79 RBI over 153 games. While his average has not reached those heights in recent seasons, he continues to exhibit power and a keen eye for getting on base. In the previous campaign, Polanco boasted a .335 on-base percentage and a .454 slugging percentage over 80 games.
Battling Through Injuries
Injuries have plagued Polanco at times, with knee troubles sidelining him for a significant portion of the 2022 season. He also faced setbacks at the beginning of the 2023 season due to knee rehabilitation. However, when healthy, Polanco’s defensive skills and underrated power make him a valuable asset for the Mariners.
A Career-High Season
Polanco’s most impressive season came in 2021 when he achieved career-highs with 33 home runs and 98 RBI over 152 games. If he can replicate that kind of performance, he could prove to be a crucial contributor to the Mariners’ success in the upcoming season.
