Seattle Mariners infielder officially entered free agency on Thursday after choosing to decline his $6 million player option for the 2026 season, according to team and league sources. The decision marks the beginning of a new chapter for the veteran switch-hitter, who just wrapped up a productive campaign and a memorable postseason run with Seattle.
As part of the terms in his existing contract, Polanco will still receive a $750,000 buyout, closing the books on a deal that paid him a $7 million salary during the 2025 season. His decision to explore the open market wasn’t entirely unexpected. Given his solid offensive performance and consistent production at the plate, many around the league believed Polanco could command more than his player option on a new multi-year deal—whether from the Mariners or another club looking for a reliable and experienced presence in the infield.
At 32 years old, Polanco remains one of the more dependable middle infielders available in free agency. While he spent much of his 2025 season splitting time between second base and designated hitter, his bat continued to deliver the kind of power and consistency teams crave. Across 146 games, he posted a .265 batting average with 26 home runs and 78 RBIs, serving as one of Seattle’s most productive hitters in the middle of the order.
Polanco’s contributions were especially vital to a Mariners team that made a deep postseason run. Seattle advanced all the way to the American League Championship Series (ALCS) for the first time since 2001, falling just short in a thrilling seven-game showdown with the Toronto Blue Jays. During that run, Polanco delivered several clutch moments—none bigger than his three-run home run in Game 2, which helped Seattle even the series and briefly shift momentum in their favor. His poise and power under pressure reminded many of why he’s long been regarded as a steady veteran presence and a player capable of coming through in big situations.
Polanco’s decision to decline the option reflects both confidence in his value and an understanding of the current free-agent landscape. The market for versatile infielders with proven offensive resumes is typically strong, especially for players who can switch-hit and fill multiple roles in a lineup. Polanco’s track record and leadership make him particularly attractive to teams seeking lineup balance and playoff-tested experience.
Over his 12-year Major League career, Polanco has built a reputation as a skilled contact hitter with legitimate power from both sides of the plate. Across his time with the Minnesota Twins (2014–2023) and the Seattle Mariners (2024–2025), he has compiled a .263 career batting average, 154 home runs, and 570 RBIs. Those numbers underscore a player who has been consistently productive when healthy, capable of driving in runs while maintaining solid plate discipline.
Polanco’s best individual season remains his 2019 All-Star campaign with Minnesota, when he hit .295 with 22 home runs, 79 RBIs, and 40 doubles in 153 games. That year established him as one of the premier offensive shortstops in baseball before he transitioned to second base later in his career. Despite dealing with intermittent injuries in subsequent years, Polanco continued to produce whenever he was in the lineup, evolving into a reliable veteran presence and clubhouse leader.
When the Mariners acquired Polanco from the Twins prior to the 2024 season, the move was seen as a calculated addition by general manager Justin Hollander and president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto, who were intent on injecting more offensive depth and veteran experience into their roster. Polanco quickly justified the decision, bringing both stability and power to the lineup. His blend of professionalism and quiet leadership earned praise from teammates and coaches alike, and his postseason heroics helped solidify his place in Seattle’s memorable 2025 campaign.
For much of the 2025 season, Polanco’s consistency anchored a Mariners offense that showed flashes of dominance but occasionally struggled with streakiness. His ability to hit from both sides of the plate gave manager Scott Servais flexibility in constructing lineups, particularly against difficult matchups. He often served as a bridge between Seattle’s young stars and its veteran hitters, offering a balanced approach that proved crucial in tight games.
In addition to his offensive contributions, Polanco’s defensive work at second base remained solid, even if he wasn’t the same rangy fielder he was earlier in his career. He brought dependability and a steady glove to the position, rarely making costly mistakes and providing assurance to Seattle’s young pitching staff. His versatility also allowed Servais to rotate him through designated hitter duties when needed, keeping his bat in the lineup while managing his workload throughout the long season.
As Polanco enters free agency, questions naturally arise about whether a reunion with Seattle could still be in the cards. While declining the player option formally makes him a free agent, it doesn’t necessarily close the door on a return. The Mariners could look to negotiate a new contract structure—potentially a two-year deal with incentives—that better aligns with both sides’ interests. Seattle’s front office has expressed admiration for Polanco’s professionalism and offensive steadiness, qualities that were instrumental in the team’s playoff run.
However, Polanco is also expected to draw considerable interest from other teams in need of a proven second baseman or a middle-of-the-order bat. Contenders and fringe playoff hopefuls alike could view him as an ideal short-term solution—someone capable of producing immediately while offering mentorship to younger players. His experience in high-pressure situations and his consistent postseason performance could make him particularly appealing to organizations looking to solidify their infield and add a veteran voice in the clubhouse.
Around the league, Polanco is viewed as the type of player who elevates a roster without commanding a superstar-level salary. His offensive numbers, while not gaudy, reflect reliability and consistency—traits that often go underappreciated until a team is deep in a pennant race. Moreover, his switch-hitting ability continues to provide a tactical advantage, allowing managers to deploy him against both right- and left-handed pitchers without concern for platoon splits.
Should Polanco and the Mariners part ways, Seattle will need to evaluate how best to replace his production. The team could look internally—perhaps giving younger infielders like Ryan Bliss or Jose Caballero expanded opportunities—or explore external options through trades and free agency. Replacing Polanco’s mix of power, contact, and leadership won’t be simple, especially for a team looking to take the next step after coming so close to reaching the World Series.
For Polanco, free agency presents a chance to both maximize his value and find the right fit for the latter stages of his career. At 32, he remains young enough to command a multi-year contract but experienced enough to contribute immediately to a winning environment. His durability and professionalism will likely make him one of the more sought-after infielders in this offseason’s market.
Reflecting on his time in Seattle, Polanco leaves behind a legacy of dependability and timely performance. Fans will remember his Game 2 home run against Toronto as one of the defining moments of the Mariners’ 2025 postseason—a symbolic moment of resilience for a team that captivated its fan base with grit and determination.
While his future destination remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Jorge Polanco has proven himself to be a valuable, battle-tested veteran capable of elevating any team’s lineup. Whether he returns to Seattle or finds a new home elsewhere, his combination of switch-hitting power, leadership, and postseason experience ensures he’ll continue to make an impact in Major League Baseball for years to come.
As the offseason unfolds and free agency takes shape, Polanco’s decision to test the market will be closely watched by both fans and front offices. His consistent bat, positional versatility, and playoff experience make him a natural fit for several contending clubs. Meanwhile, for the Mariners, his departure—if permanent—marks the end of a brief but meaningful chapter in their ongoing pursuit of a championship.
In many ways, Polanco’s tenure in Seattle encapsulated the team’s identity: hardworking, resilient, and full of heart. His leadership and production helped push the Mariners to the brink of the World Series, and though his player option decision may signal a transition, his impact on the franchise and its 2025 success will be long remembered.
At 32, Jorge Polanco now steps into the next phase of his career, armed with experience, confidence, and a track record that speaks for itself—a switch-hitting infielder whose consistency, professionalism, and quiet leadership have made him a respected figure throughout Major League Baseball.
