It’s fair to say they likely wouldn’t have captured a division title, possibly wouldn’t have even reached the postseason, and almost certainly wouldn’t have gone on the deepest playoff run in franchise history.
A Season to Remember
After a rough first year in Seattle, Polanco rebounded in a major way in 2025. The veteran switch-hitter delivered one of the finest campaigns of his 12-year career, becoming a steady force in the middle of the Mariners’ lineup and a driving factor in their success.
He slashed .265/.326/.495 with an .821 OPS, belting 26 home runs, 30 doubles, and driving in 78 RBIs across 138 games—all his best marks since 2021. Just as impressive, he drastically reduced his strikeout rate, cutting it from a career-worst 29.2% in 2024 to 15.6% in 2025.
But Polanco didn’t just show up in the regular season—he thrived when the lights were brightest.
October Heroics
Few Mariners players have authored more clutch postseason moments.
In Game 2 of the ALDS, he blasted two solo shots off Detroit Tigers ace and reigning AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal. Then, in Game 5, his walk-off single in the 15th inning sent Seattle to its first ALCS in 24 years. And in the ALCS itself, he struck again—launching a tiebreaking three-run homer in Game 2 that ultimately propelled the Mariners to victory.
It’s no exaggeration to say that Polanco was the heartbeat of Seattle’s playoff run.
The Contract Question
Now, the big question looms: Will Jorge Polanco be back in 2026?
Polanco signed a one-year deal to return to Seattle last offseason, which included vesting player options tied to his plate appearances. By surpassing 450 plate appearances, he activated a $6 million player option for next year.
However, after such a strong season, Polanco seems poised to decline that option and explore free agency. At age 33 next season, this may be his last shot at a multi-year payday.
If he opts out, how the Mariners handle the situation could define their offseason. Do they pay to retain his production and leadership—or move on and reallocate resources elsewhere?.
The Case for Bringing Him Back
Seattle finally got the version of Polanco they thought they were trading for: a polished, professional hitter capable of carrying an offense.
After recovering from patellar tendon surgery that limited him in 2024, Polanco started 2025 on fire, hitting .388 with a 1.226 OPS and nine home runs in April. He finished strong, too—batting .329 with a 1.015 OPS and 17 extra-base hits in September, helping Seattle clinch the AL West.
Polanco gave the lineup two things it badly needed: contact consistency and clutch hitting. He posted team-best marks with runners in scoring position, hitting .337 with a 173 wRC+, and an incredible .438 with a 259 wRC+ in high-leverage spots.
And he did it all while thriving at home. At T-Mobile Park, he hit .288 with a .902 OPS, along with 15 homers and 20 doubles, outpacing his road numbers across the board.
Beyond the stats, Polanco became a beloved figure in the clubhouse. His easygoing leadership and experience meshed perfectly with the Mariners’ tight-knit culture. For a team that emphasizes chemistry, that counts for plenty.
He also provided roster stability—especially if Cole Young or top prospect Colt Emerson need more time to develop. His presence at second base offers insurance should either prospect struggle out of the gate.
The Risks of a Reunion
Still, there’s an undeniable risk in betting on Polanco’s longevity.
The 32-year-old has endured a long list of injuries throughout his career, topping 130 games only four times. While he appeared in 138 games in 2025, he wasn’t fully healthy—an oblique issue limited his time in the field and from the right side of the plate earlier in the season.
Durability remains a major question mark, and it’s fair to wonder whether he can sustain this level of play moving forward.
Another complicating factor: Seattle’s roster flexibility.
At this stage, Polanco projects more as a designated hitter who can occasionally play second base. But that role could create a logjam. Cal Raleigh needs DH days to stay fresh, top catching prospect Harry Ford could require at-bats there, and even veterans like Randy Arozarena and J.P. Crawford—both 31 and coming off heavy workloads—might need DH opportunities.
Re-signing Polanco could crowd that rotation and limit manager Scott Servais’s flexibility.
The Mariners also have a surplus of middle infield prospects, including Cole Young and Colt Emerson, who are both nearing MLB readiness. If one of them breaks out next year, Polanco’s value at second base would diminish considerably.
Balancing Sentiment and Strategy
Seattle’s front office faces a delicate decision. On one hand, Polanco’s resurgence and postseason heroics are hard to walk away from. On the other, investing heavily in an aging, injury-prone player could backfire—especially when the club has young, inexpensive options waiting in the wings.
The Mariners’ 2025 success was built on pitching depth, power, and timely hitting—qualities Polanco embodied throughout the season. But as they enter another pivotal offseason, they’ll need to decide whether that same formula, with Polanco included, gives them the best chance to take the next step.
Because for all he’s done—both at the plate and in the clubhouse—it’s fair to ask one simple question:
Can Seattle really afford to lose Jorge Polanco’s impact?
Or will they decide it’s time to turn the page, trusting the next wave of Mariners talent to carry the torch forward?
